Colette Kessler, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), South Dakota // Wikimedia Commons

Cover crops are a soil conservation technique that is widely-utilized in the agricultural community. The practice involves planting a crop, usually a legume or grain, that the farmer won't harvest. Instead, the plants remain in the soil, resulting in a multitude of benefits such as improved ground quality and water retention.

Different types of cover crops provide various benefits. For example, winter rye is an excellent way to prevent soil runoff during the cold season, while daikon radishes are ideal for fixing nitrogen before planting the next crop. Cover crop benefits are numerous. Here are a few reasons to incorporate the method on your farm.

1. Prevent Soil Erosion

Cover crops are a great way to prevent soil erosion. When a field is left bare after harvest, precipitation can disturb the topsoil. Not only does this situation lead to agricultural pollution in waterways, but it also decreases soil health. Adding a cover crop is a simple technique that protects precious soil from being lost and adds organic matter back into the ground.

2. Attract Pollinators

In addition to improving soil quality, cover cropping also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. The creatures have a multitude of positive effects, including pest control and food for wildlife.

3. Save Money

Cover cropping leads to more productive crops, saving you money. Even if adding a cover crop to your growing plan may cost a bit more upfront, the savings in the long-term are worth it.

4. Improve Soil Quality

Farmers should not overlook the consequences of poor soil. Degraded earth leads to less productive crops, more pest problems and an increased need for inputs like fertilizer. Cover crops improve the quality of organic matter in the soil. Depending on your situation, you can plant cover crops after harvest to preserve nutrients that would otherwise leach into groundwater.

5. Fix Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a central component of chlorophyll, aiding in the process of photosynthesis. When a crop field is left bare, nitrogen is lost. By adding a legume that can fix nitrogen, farmers can restore soil health before the next planting season.

6. Provide Livestock Feed

Cover crops can serve as a dual-purpose investment, improving soil health and providing food for livestock. Depending on the type, cover crops can be used for grazing purposes or harvested for hay.

7. Reduce Compaction

Most farms till their fields annually and heavy farm equipment used during harvest can lead to subsurface compaction. Cover crops can improve soil stability, making it more resilient to damage.

8. Support Mycorrhizal Growth

Mycorrhizae is a fungus found in the roots of all plants. It is vital in soil health and aids crops in water and nutrient absorption. Introducing new rotations of cover crops supports mycorrhizal growth, improving the symbiotic relationship between the fungus and the next plant.

9. Suppress Weeds

Planting a cover crop immediately after harvesting a cash crop can reduce weed pressure, decreasing the need for expensive chemicals and fertilizers. Buckwheat and field peas are good examples of quick-growing cover crops that are great at weed suppression.

10. Reduce Tillage

No-till agriculture is growing in popularity. Cover crops play an essential role in reducing tillage, fixing nitrogen and reducing weed pressure. When a field is cover cropped, farmers can plant the next crop directly into the ground without needing to clear the land first.

More Productive Crops

Cover cropping is an excellent way to improve soil health, prevent erosion, preserve water and suppress weeds. All of these benefits impact each other, leading to more productive and easier-to-manage fields.

With more farmers looking to reduce inputs, cover crops not only save money but also reduce labor. When incorporated into a no-till operation, this method is incredibly effective at improving the soil before the next planting. The benefits of cover cropping are numerous, making it an essential practice for those looking to enhance soil quality.

About the author: Emily is a sustainability writer and avid gardener. You can read more of her work on her site, Conservation Folks, where she writes about helping tomorrow’s planet today.