What is a cover crop in farming?
Cover crops are plant species that a person/farmer can grow on a field to improve-protect soil health and obtain an objective to provide soil and/or crop benefits or/and use as forage for livestock. Cover crop in farming can be utilized in any crop rotation scheme by choosing the right species, seeding timing, and termination method (crop residue management). Cover crops can be interseeded between plant rows (any crop) or follow a cash crop such as maize or small grains. Some common plants used as cover crops are the following: field peas, alfalfa, buckwheat, cereal rye, annual rye, radish (turnip or canola), oats, barley, sorghum, soybean, clover, etc. Each crop species offer different benefits. Farmers are advised to choose a mix of cover crops, considering factors like the environment, soil type, the other crop cultivated in the same field, any pests, diseases, weed problems, etc.
If you are interested to learn more about the topic, you can also read the article: How to use Cover Crops in Vineyards and their Advantages
