Nutrient release from living and terminated cover crops under variable freeze–thaw cycles

It is not clear how freeze-thaw cycles affect phosphorus release from cover crops. This study found that light frosts did not increase phosphorus release from cover crops while heavy frosts did, but frost tolerant species (ex. cereal rye) released less phosphorus than frost-intolerant species. Terminating cover crops with herbicides increased both phosphorus and ammonium losses. Cover crops are still recommended as a best management practice in temperate regions.