Cotton rotation with single and multispecies cover crops affects yield, quality, and economic outcomes

Abstract Cover crops (CCs) have gained popularity in continuous crop production systems due to their agroecosystem benefits. This study evaluated the effects of nine CC treatments (single or multispecies) and no cover crop (noCC) on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth characteristics, production, and economic returns in the Mid‐South United States. The CC treatments were set up in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Significant differences were found for CC biomass accumulation, with cereal rye ( Secale cereale L; 3915 kg ha −1 ) and cereal rye + crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.) mix (3845 kg ha −1 ) producing the highest biomass among all the treatments. Total nitrogen (TN) accumulation in aboveground biomass was highest for hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth) + radish ( Raphanus sativus L.) mix, which was significantly higher than hairy vetch or crimson clover monocultures, when averaged across years. The noCC consistently produced lower biomass and TN accumulation than all other treatments. When data were averaged over years, seed cotton yield was lowest in cotton rotated with cereal rye (2394 kg ha −1 ) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L; 2484 kg ha −1 ). Cotton lint yield was 216–234 kg ha −1 lower with cereal rye and wheat than noCC. Cotton fiber fineness (micronaire) was lowest for cotton rotated with wheat CC. Averaged over the years, CC reduced the expected net returns compared to the noCC. Overall economic analysis showed that among CC cotton rotations, multispecies CC offered greater profitability and yield‐based risk‐adjusted returns than single‐species CCs.