Cover Crops
1. Cover Crops (Positive)This publication describes how cover crops are used as a horticultural practice that is beneficial to the environment. Cover crops are used to improve the health of soil by increasing the amount of organic matter, prevent erosion, increase soil nitrogen content, and create a habitat/food source for insects. By planting cover crops, the soil is held in place by the plant’s root system. This practice is commonly used in fields that are not currently in use, to prevent erosion. Having a higher amount of organic matter in the soil (4%+) helps nourish the soil and aid in the growing of other, primary crops. By killing cover crops at there optimal bloom time, before they have the ability to reseed (which can cause a future weed problem), the organic matter is placed back into the soil through decomposition. During optimal bloom time crops also have the highest biomass production. This is very important when cover crops are used as a means to increase organic material in soil. Deep-rooted cover crops also increase water infiltration. The root system provides passageways for water to flow to more easily. Leguminous cover crops increase the nitrogen content of the soil. Legume root systems contain a bacterial known as Rhizobium that store nitrogen on the root system of the crops. This increases the nitrogen contents of the soil.  Legume cover crops can be intended for the purpose of increasing nitrogen while others are chosen for their ability to suppress weeds. This horticulture practice also has the advantage of weed control. Choosing specific crops can help deter weeds. Thick heavy crops can decrease the amount of light a weed seed from germinating, and others naturally excrete chemicals that prevent germination.
Using cover crops can also provide as a habitat and food source for insects.