Tillage effects on N2O emissions as influenced by a winter cover crop

► Cover crop and tillage effects on emissions of N2O were investigated. ► Growth of fodder radish as a winter cover crop was influenced by tillage practice. ► N2O emissions increased dramatically following spring tillage and slurry application. ► Conventional tillage increased N2O emissions from crop residues compared to reduced tillage. ► An analysis of soil N2O concentrations indicated that N2O emitted was produced near the surface.