The use of cover crops can help build soil structure and mitigate the effects of volatile weather conditions and compaction of soil.
Cover crops build up resilience in the ground, so that over time the soil will be able to cope with extreme weather conditions and will improve the chance of growth for the other crops that follow.
Cover crops provide living roots in the ground for up to 5 months, which can reduce soil erosion and nutrient leaching as they trap the mineral nitrogen in the soil before the drainage period, thereby reducing the nitrate concentration in drainage water, and also improving soil structure and biodiversity; all key points for regenerative agriculture.
Key Facts:
- Cover crops provide protection to the soil during high-risk weather conditions.
- Cover crops can increase soil carbon.
- Planting cover crops can provide habitats for beneficial insects, pollinators and wildlife.
- They can help break disease cycles from crop to crop.
- Theycan help improve soil structure.
- Increase water holding capacity.
- Breaks down soil compaction.
- Provides forage for farm animals to graze.
