Why Cover Crops? - Urban Harvest€¦ · Cover Crops improve soil fertility Supply nitrogen...
Transcript of Why Cover Crops? - Urban Harvest€¦ · Cover Crops improve soil fertility Supply nitrogen...
Cover CropsFOR THE SOUTHEAST
Buckwheat
Cereal Rye Crimson Clover
Sorghum-Sudangrass
Cover Crops improve soil quality
Increase soil organic matter (SOM)Reduce soil erosion wind and rainImprove soil structure and qualityImprove soil tilthEnhance soil biological diversityRemediate subsoil compaction
Cover Crops improve soil fertility
Supply nitrogen (legumes)Reduce nutrient leachingIncrease nutrient cyclingMove nutrients from sub-soil to
top-soilImprove fertilizer use efficiency
Cover Crops reduce pest problems
Suppress weedsReduce diseasesReduce nematodesProvide habitat and food for
beneficial organisms
Other benefits from Cover CropsReduce laborReduce fuel useReduce land preparationHelp with timely plantingReduce irrigation requirementReduce total production costsImprove water quality
Cow Peas
ChallengesCost of establishmentMay be difficult to killMay compete with your crop
for resourcesNot a cash crop, lost incomeRequires more management
Why Cover Crops?
Cover CropsFOR THE SOUTHEAST