Benefits of Cover Crops

Cover Crops

Plants that are planted to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being harvested.  - Wikipedia

Green Manure

A crop specifically cultivated to be incorporated into the soil while still green.  (Pieters, 1927)

Types of Cover Crops

Grains

  • Help with water infiltration
  • Build soil organic matter through leaf and root biomass
  • Helps to break up soil compaction

Legumes

  • Fix nitrogen so less fertilizer is required
  • Build soil organic matter through leaf and root biomass
  • ​Reduce or prevent erosion
  • ​Attract beneficial insects

Broadleaves

  • Build soil organic matter through leaf and root biomass
  • Provide competition for weeds
  • Reduce or prevent erosion

Tips for Using Cover Crops

The number of cover crop combinations is almost unlimited.  Usually it is a process of trial and error.  Tips to get started are:
  • Plan your main crop and rotations first to understand the main objectives for the cover crop.
  • Use a cover crop that is in a different plant group than your main crop whether you're planting together or in sequence. 
  • Find a cover crop that is easy to locate in your area.
  • Decide on a termination method and timing from the outset.  
  • Test smaller areas first and then expand as you build your experience and confidence.

Examples of Cover Crop "Recipes"

Terminating the Cover Crop

Resources

Cover Crops for the Home Garden

Cover Crops for the Home Garden - The University of Wisconsin

Cover Crops in Rotation

Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Managing Crops Profitably - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

References

 Pieters, Adrian J (1927). Green Manuring (PDF). John Wiley & Sons, NY. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-02.      Retrieved 2024-08-01