Management duration controls the synergistic effect of tillage, cover crop, and nitrogen rate on cotton yield and yield stability

•Management duration controls the response of cotton yield and yield stability to tillage, bio-covers, and N rate management.•Long-term interaction between legume covers and no-tillage increased yield stability in adverse environmental conditions.•Long-term incorporation of legume species, especially hairy vetch further enhanced the yield outcome from no-tillage system.