Roller Crimpers Resources

Erin Silva, Ph.D.
Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Field research highlights the benefits of planting soybeans into cereal rye at the boot stage, followed by roller-crimping the rye 2–3 weeks later after soybean emergence. This early planting strategy resulted in an average yield increase of 8 bushels per acre compared to soybeans planted after rye termination at anthesis. Additionally, planting into rye at the boot

This video showcases key components for successfully implementing cover crop-based no-till systems on Wisconsin farms. It also highlights practical equipment modifications that can enhance the effectiveness of this approach. Interest in organic no-till farming is rapidly increasing—not only among organic producers, but also among conventional farmers seeking to incorporate cover crops and explore more sustainable, non-chemical weed management strategies.

Organic no-till production relies on fall-sown cover crops to suppress weeds in the subsequent growing season. At planting, a roller-crimper is used to terminate the overwintered cover crop, creating a dense mulch layer on the soil surface. The cash crop is then directly seeded into this residue, allowing it to emerge through the terminated cover while effectively minimizing weed pressure throughout the season.

Erin Silva highlights that variety selection matters—‘Aroostook’ rye matures earlier and consistently provides better biomass and weed suppression, making it a strong choice for organic no-till systems.

Jeff Moyer of the Rodale Institute explains that roller crimping helps organic farmers manage weeds without herbicides by terminating cover crops and creating a thick mulch. This mulch improves soil health, conserves moisture, reduces erosion, and allows cash crops to grow with minimal tillage.