Sinapis alba / Brassica nigra

Mustard is a broadleaf, cruciferous, cool-seasoned annual economic cash crop that has a short growing season. Mustard cover crops are known for their rapid fall growth, great biomass production and nutrient scavenging ability. As a result, they are commonly grown in rotation with small grain.

Mustards are attracting renewed interest primarily because of their pest management characteristics. Most Brassica species release chemical compounds that may be toxic to soil borne pathogens and pests, such as nematodes, fungi and some weeds. The different varieties of mustard vary in physical appearance.