Despite the numerous environmental benefits provided by cover crops, only 10% of the U.S/ Midwest field are planted with cover crops. Interseeding cover crops in maize during early vegetative growth stages is an opportunity to establish a grass or broadleaf cover crop and ass rotational diversity to improve overall system productivity. The objective of this study was to assess optical and thermal reflectance of maize interseeded with cover crops to discern overall plant health of the cash crop.