Lower fall soil mineral N with alfalfa, red- & crimson-clover than no cover crop. Alfalfa ≥ red clover > > crimson clover positive impact on corn grain yield in 1 of 2 yr. Plant available N (PAN = plant + soil mineral N) recommended to study N dynamics. At corn harvest PAN was higher with alfalfa & red clover than no cover in 1 of 2 yr. Higher PAN with spring-than fall-tillage of cover crops regardless of soil type.