1. Understanding Spatial Variability in Cover Crop Growth and Decomposition

In many agricultural landscapes, topographic variability leads to downslope movement of soil, water, and nutrients, causing heterogeneity in both crop yield and soil fertility throughout production fields. Cover crops can slow these processes, but the impact of topography on cover crop growth and residue persistence is uncertain. We measured the growth, mixture biomass composition, and decomposition of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop, and cereal rye /crimson clover (Trifolium... S.J. Leuthold, M. Salmeron, O. Wendroth, E. Haramoto, H. Poffenbarger