Cover crops and the case for never leaving soil bare

A short, useful read for the Ridents community.

Bare soil between harvests is vulnerable to wind, heavy rain and the loss of nutrients that wash away before the next crop can use them. Cover crops such as clover, rye, vetch or mustard are planted in that gap to protect the ground. Their roots hold soil in place and feed the organisms that keep it healthy, while their leaves shield the surface.

Bare soil between harvests is vulnerable to wind, heavy rain and the loss of nutrients that wash away before the next crop can use them.

When the cover crop is cut and left on the field or worked into the soil, it returns organic matter and, in the case of legumes, nitrogen. Choosing the right mix depends on climate, the next main crop and the equipment available. Farmers often start with a trial strip on one field and compare the results with untreated ground before expanding.