"If you haven't taken the leap and you're unsure about whether or not to sow a cover crop, know that it's worth it. Specifically, when it comes to your bottom line, cover crops save money. They may not do so immediately, but the effort you invest in them is returned in multiple ways. Grow cover crops at any point in the year, as long as the timing aligns with the crop in question."
"Having a crop growing through the heat of summer or winter's freezes keeps the ground covered. It prevents soil heaving, the phenomenon that occurs when cold extremes flex the ground and upend layers of soil. The soil remains protected and moist in heatwaves. On slopes, cover crops keep the topsoil in place, ensuring heavy rains don't displace the earth. This saves you money and time in the long run, preventing the need for extra earthworking and additional soils from an external source."
Cover crops reduce costs by protecting and improving soil while delivering multiple long-term returns on the initial investment. They can be grown at nearly any time as long as timing aligns with the main crop and must be terminated at the right moment to create a natural mulch that slowly enhances soil structure and fertility. Benefits include reduced erosion and soil heaving, moisture retention during heat, protection of topsoil on slopes that prevents costly earthmoving and runoff, and choices of quick-growing species like grains, vetches, or clovers to hold soil. Cover crops benefit both organic and conventional farms and can boost revenue streams over time.
Read at Modern Farmer
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