Cover crop mixtures: evaluating complementarity in root-soil interactions and effects on greenhouse gas emissions

Lead Applicant: Claudia Wagner-Riddle

Research Priority: Soil Health Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Rotating cover crops with annual crops can reduce soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To optimize the GHG reduction through diversity and complementary root-soil interactions, a mix of cover crops could be used. To determine how roots interact with a soil environment, the below-ground mechanisms that control GHG emissions from the soil will be studied on a gradient of cover crop mixtures from single to multiple species.The results will contribute to a detailed understanding of the impact of cover crop diversification on GHG emissions.

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