Effect of destruction and burial dates of cover crops on runoff, erosion, organic carbon losses and phosphorus losses in a maize cropping system

In Wallonia (Belgium), fields planted with Spring row crops (sugarbeet, potato, maize, chicory) are particularly prone to runoff and soil erosion by water (Bielders et al., 2003). To reduce these problems, planting cover crops is an admitted efficient solution. However, little information exists about the optimal cover crop destruction and burial dates with respect to erosion control. The objective of the present study is to determine the impact of destruction and burial dates of 2 common cover crops, rye and ryegrass, on runoff, erosion, organic carbon and phosphorous losses, as well as on the yield of the subsequent maize crop.