Cover crop composition mediates the constraints and benefits of roller-crimping and incorporation in organic white cabbage production

•Roller-crimping cover crops reduced cabbage yield compared to full incorporation.•Legume/rye mixtures reduced available N and cabbage root growth compared to legumes.•Roller-crimping reduced soil microbial activity compared to full incorporation.•Roller-crimping suggested reduced N leaching risk during winter.•Roller-crimping suppressed weed emergence by 63% compared to full incorporation.