The importance of cover crops in integrated plant protection

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the role of cover crops in integrated plant protection systems. Cover crops are analysed in terms of their agronomic, ecological, and economic functions, including weed suppression, soil fertility improvement, biodiversity enhancement, and pest and disease control. The authors describe various species used as cover crops, their mechanisms of action (e.g. competition, allelopathy), and implementation strategies in sustainable agriculture. The chapter also includes results from a field study conducted at the Maize Institute in Zemun Polje, Serbia, demonstrating the effects of different cover crop species and mixtures on weed composition and density in maize cropping systems