How to terminate a cover crop

[SCalberta]

Hi - there has been discussion on how to terminate a cover crop.
I grew buckwheat last fall and just before fall frost in Calgary I sheared it at ground level with garden shears and just left the dropped plants as is. This way I did not disturb the soil. Is this what you are supposed to do to “ terminate” ???

[Danoost]

There is no rule on what to do to terminate a cover crop. The strategy you use is good: chop and drop. That way soil is covered over winter and you're ready to plant or seed the following spring without dealing with a stubborn cover that wants to regrow.