Mustard is often used as a cover crop in Ventura County. There are many benefits to using this plant in fields including:

• Excellent weed competitors
• Taproot breaks soil compaction
• Abundant, fast-degrading biomass
• Drought tolerance
• Supports bees and natural enemies
• Contains allelochemicals

These allelochemical compounds in mustard are similar to those found in fumigants. Current research shows it is possible to use this green biomass to prepare fields for production.

A presentation of this research was recently given by Ventura County Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish. This presentation has been archived on our website with sound.