Why should farmers consider cover cropping?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Farmers benefit from tremendous benefits of getting cover crops involved in their rotation. The often-forgotten champions are constructing perennial soil ecosystems that sustain productivity for many years to come. I have experienced the journey of fields going from dead dirt to a dynamic living community through consistent cover cropping.
Soil Health Transformation
- Increases organic matter by 12-25% after three years
- Creates habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms
- Improves soil structure through root channel development
Resource Conservation
- Reduces erosion by 50-90% compared to bare fields
- Cuts irrigation needs by 25-35% through better water retention
- Decreases fertilizer requirements by 30-60% over time
Economic Advantages
- Lowers input costs for chemicals and amendments
- Increases yields by 10-25% through improved soil function
- Creates potential for premium markets valuing sustainability
Cover crops offer natural insurance under extreme weather conditions. Fields with established covers fared better during drought and required quicker recovery time from flooding. During last year's drought, my fields with cover crops required 30% less irrigation and still produced the same yields. This resilience protects your source of income from unpredictable variables.
The economic benefits are evident over time. Seed costs $15-$ 50/ac., whereas fertilizer and irrigation expenditures typically save, on average, over $100/ac/year. In my experience, net benefits occur after year two, and profits increase as soil health improves!
Getting started takes little investment. There are many options to choose from, but begin with one stress-tolerant species, such as cereal rye, in your weakest field. Observe and record changes to earthworm activity and water infiltration. Most farmers choose to expand their cover cropping system after they notice the benefits of erosion control and weed suppression in the first year.
Read the full article: 10 Best Cover Crops for Soil Health and Yield
