Green Area Index Using green area index will give an idea as to how well covered the ground is as the crop is growing. It will measure the ratio of green leaf area to the ground area, giving a score to be able to compare how different species or mixes cover the ground. This can then be linked to rooting type and depth to be able to see the most effective and efficient cover crop species or mix is.
From this graph, and as well as visual analysis in the field, the Radish is providing the most ground cover. This is due to the large amount of biomass from the green leaves and the height that the plant has reached. Similarly, the mixes that contain Mustard have also provided good amounts of cover. Species such as the vetches and the clovers have lower scores on the GAI, as they are smaller and less bulky plants. This, however, it not necessarily a negative when choosing as a cover crop, as there is less biomass to destroy and then incorporate.
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