I have heard of “cover crops” being used instead of garden mulches. What exactly is a cover crop?
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Cover crops on a farm field at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Question by boringsadlife: I have heard of “cover crops” being used instead of garden mulches. What exactly is a cover crop?
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5 Responses to I have heard of “cover crops” being used instead of garden mulches. What exactly is a cover crop?
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jisspriss
May 9, 2011 at 12:29 am
Cover crops add organic matter to the soil – Organic matter provides benefits to the soil and the subsequent crop in many different ways. Organic matter improves the physical condition of the soil by improving soil tilth, stability of soil aggregates, water infiltration, air diffusion, and by reducing soil crusting. The addition of organic matter can also increase the populations of soil microbes and earthworms, which in turn, contribute to efficient nutrient cycling and improvements in soil structure. Finally, organic matter additions can also increase nutrient retention in the root zone.
Cover crops reduce soil erosion – Scientists have estimated that the United States has lost 30% of its topsoil in the past 200 years due to agricultural practices that do not return organic matter to the soil and that leave bare fallow soils for a significant portion of the year. Erosion has long-term costs such as loss of agricultural productivity and aquatic habitat as well as sedimentation of rivers, reservoirs, and estuaries. There are also short-term costs to farmers. The USDA estimates that farmers are losing approximately $ 40.00 worth of fertilizer per acre per year in runoff from farm fields. Cover crops can help reduce soil erosion by keeping the soil covered during high rainfall periods when it would normally be bare. Farmers also report improved soil structure, stability and permeability, decreased crusting, and increased water infiltration.
Cover crops can enhance nitrogen cycling within the plant-soil system – Grass or non-leguminous cover crops can help keep N in the plant-soil system by utilizing residual N that would otherwise be lost to leaching. The nitrogen is assimilated into the tissue (biomass) of the cover crop and then, as the cover crop decomposes, it is released to subsequent crops. Leguminous cover crops, such as cowpea, soybean, and velvetbean, can also “fix” significant amounts of nitrogen for use by subsequent crops. Through a symbiotic association with the legume, Rhizobium bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the legume can use for its own growth. When grass or legume cover crops are killed or incorporated, soil microorganisms decompose their residue. In a process called mineralization, the N in the plant tissue is converted by soil microbes into a form (nitrate) that subsequent plants can use. Nitrogen in the aboveground biomass of the cover crops varies considerably within species, but legumes generally contribute anywhere from 60-200 lb of N per acre. This nitrogen is mineralized over an extended period of time, with an average of 50% of the total N contained in the cover crop available to subsequent crops.
Steve Groff and his family, farm 200 acres of vegetables and crops on hilly land in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He has pioneered the “Permanent Cover Cropping System”, which includes no-tillage, cover crops, and effective crop rotations as a way to increase profits, enhance soil and water quality, and reduce pesticides.
The cornerstone of this system is a unique emphasis on maintaining a permanent cover of crop residues and cover crops on the soil surface and having something living in the soil at all times. All vegetables and crops are then seeded or transplanted into the organic mulch. This permanent cover aids in weed control, has virtually eliminated soil erosion on the farms 3-17% slopes, and has increased soil and water quality.
A passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture soil conservation, soil health, and food quality, Steve started no-tilling in the early ’80s. He later began using cover crops as another soil conservation measure and now plants cover crops based on the succeeding crop that will planted the next year. Some fields have not been touched by any tillage equipment for over 30 years!
Steve is a Sustainable Farmer Educator with the USDA Northeast SARE program. You may contact him at steve@cedarmeadowfarm.com or 717-284-5152 for more information, request a speaking engagement, or schedule a visit to Cedar Meadow Farm. Groups are welcome.
jennifersuem
May 9, 2011 at 1:27 am
It is a planting such as clover that you use as groundcover for awhile and then turn/dig it under to enrich your soil.
busybody12
May 9, 2011 at 2:24 am
A cover crop is planted either among another crop, or after the crop has been harvested. The cover crop lessens soil erosion, the need for herbicides, and usually provides needed nutrients for future crops back in soil. When the cover crop is plowed under, it is refered to as green manure. I have used clovers and winter wheat but there are many other plants.
birdchirp
May 9, 2011 at 3:13 am
A cover crop is a plant that is planted in a garden during the time no veggies are there. One of the most used is Crimson Clover. It looks good and can be tilled in easily. They are supposed to take up the space so weeds wont invade.
plowmscat
May 9, 2011 at 3:51 am