Why grow cover crops?

Defining your main reason (objective) for growing cover crops is essential. This will dictate the best choice of species, timing of establishment, destruction and other management practices.

Your choice also needs to suit your farm in terms of climate, rotation, soil type and condition, and equipment.

Cover cropping is often a long-term commitment, and it may take several cycles to see the full benefits.

Reduce nutrient loss and leaching

Cover crops can reduce the risk of soil nutrient leaching (especially nitrogen). Deep-rooted cover crops are particularly useful catch crops because they can take up nutrients that have gone beyond the reach of shallow-rooted cash crops.

Reduce soil erosion and run-off

As cover crops bind soil and provide ground cover, they can help protect soil from erosion by wind and water.

Improve soil structure

Cover crops with vigorous root systems help loosen soils, improving access to water and nutrients. Roots create biopores and can break up compacted soil layers, enhancing subsequent crop root growth.

Improve soil fertility

When cover crops are incorporated and decompose in the soil, valuable nutrients are released. Cover crops can also add nutrients to the soil through biological nitrogen fixation.

Build soil organic matter and influence soil moisture

Organic matter is essential for the health of agricultural soils. When incorporated, cover crops help to increase the soil organic matter, improving the soil’s biological activity, moisture infiltration and retention, and nutrient-holding capacity.

Integrated weed, pest and disease management

Cover crops can suppress weeds and volunteers. They also provide habitats for beneficial insects.

Some species have soil-fumigating properties that reduce pressure from soil pests and nematodes.

Selecting non-host cover crop species can reduce soil-borne pathogen carryover.

Generate additional forage

Where a gap in forage supply has been identified, the strategic use of cover crops for livestock feed can be planned.

Support measures (stewardship)

Cover crops can be used in agri-environmental schemes, provided they comply with the rules. The financial benefits of cover crops need to be considered across the rotation.