Cover Crop
Benefits
Crop
Yields Soil
Quality Beneficial
Insects Diseases
and Nematodes Weeds Nutrient
Availability Soil
Compaction Soil
Moisture Erosion Runoff Organic
Matter Infiltration
Cover Crops and Organic Matter
Cover crops can add organic matter to the soil. Organic matter provides benefits to the soil and the subsequent crop in many different ways. It 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. (From Summer Cover Crops, N. G. Creamer and K. R. Baldwin, North Carolina State University).
For more information on soil biology, go to the Soil Biology Primer.
When it comes to increasing a soils organic matter, there are differences between cover crops. Grasses, because of their fine roots and lower nitrogen contents, generally increase organic matter faster than legumes. Soil microorganisms break down legumes quickly, whereas a substance in grasses called lignin makes them more resistant to breakdown and so they linger longer in the soil as organic matter.
More Information on Soil Organic Matter
Soil Organic Matter, J. Lickacz and D. Penny, Alberta Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development.
Organic Matter Management, University of Minnesota Extension Service.
Sustainable Soil Management, P. Sullivan, ATTRA
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