This project will develop and evaluate new cover crop planting strategies to improve cover crop establishment after late harvested crops. Cover crops add organic matter to the soil, improve soil tilth, capture soil nitrate that is susceptible to leaching into ground water, fix nitrogen (if legumes are planted), and suppress winter weeds. But here is the conundrum. Cover crop establishment for producers of processed vegetables in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon is a huge challenge because harvest of several important crops, including sweet corn, squash, and cauliflower, occurs late into the fall.