Cover Crops

Legumes:

Provide nitrogen through fixation - nearly 2/3 utilized by next crop

Increase soil microbes, organic matter

Disrupt weed/disease cycles after grasses

Grasses:

Supply additional N/nutrients through extensive root systems

However, high C:N ratio at maturity can tie up N

Terminate before maturation or add supplemental N

Brassicas:

Taproots penetrate compacted soils for deeper rooting

Some winterkill and decompose by the spring, which helps to aerate the soil and improve rainfall infiltration

brassicas like mustards and oilseed radishes are attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.