This study evaluated the impact of contrasting cover crops on topsoil mineral nitrogen (SMN), N₂O emissions, and carbon (C) sequestration. Non-legume cover crops reduced SMN levels, showed potential for mitigating indirect N₂O emissions, and increased C sequestration but did not reduce cumulative N₂O emissions compared to fallow. The results highlight the need for tailored cover crop strategies to balance SMN capture, N₂O emissions, and C sequestration effectively.