Nitrogen recovery and contribution to production agricultural systems are critical services provided by cover crops investigated in this study. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of simulated residual N (SRN) on N recovery in various winter cover crop systems (CCS) and subsequent effects on corn N uptake. Biomass, C and N measurements, 15N recovery, and sources of N acquisition were quantified among CCS. Subsequently, CCS and SRN effects on corn productivity and N status were quantified. Grass-included CCS had the greatest N scavenging ability by CCS termination, though they had negative or neutral effects on corn N acquisition. Brassicas-included CCS were prolific early season N scavengers, though winterkill may have negated this effect. Legumes-included CCS generally accumulated large quantities of N and had narrow C:N ratios, positively affecting corn N acquisition. This study highlights the importance of context-specific CCS selection for N conservation
