Cover crops are plants grown primarily to improve soil health, manage erosion, enhance biodiversity, and increase farm productivity. Unlike cash crops, which are cultivated for direct sale and consumption, cover crops serve as natural soil protectors and enhancers. Farmers and gardeners use them as a sustainable agricultural practice to enrich the land between growing seasons.
Types of Cover Crops
Cover crops can be classified into three main categories based on their primary function and plant family.
• Legumes - these include clover, vetch, and peas. Legumes are known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which helps replenish soil nutrients. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, making them an eco-friendly option for farmers.
• Grasses and cereals - rye, oats, barley, and wheat fall into this category. Grass Cover Crops and Cereal Cover Crops are effective in preventing soil erosion, improving soil structure, and suppressing weed growth. Their deep root systems hold the soil together, reducing runoff and retaining moisture.
• Brassicas and other broadleaf crops - mustard, radish, and turnips are popular in this category. These crops help break up compacted soil, suppress pests, and improve soil aeration. Some, like daikon radish, create deep root channels that allow water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the ground.
The Benefits of Cover Crops
Cover crops offer a range of benefits that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and overall farm productivity.
• Soil enrichment - cover crops prevent soil depletion by replenishing essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen. When these plants decompose, they release organic matter that improves soil fertility.
• Erosion control - bare soil is susceptible to wind and water erosion. Cover crops provide ground cover, reducing soil loss and preserving its structure.
• Weed suppression - by shading the soil and releasing natural chemicals, cover crops prevent weeds from growing, reducing the need for herbicides.
• Moisture retention - the root systems of cover crops help to improve water infiltration and to reduce evaporation, ensuring soil remains hydrated for longer periods.
• Pest and disease management - some cover crops, such as Black Oats (Avena strigosa), release compounds that deter pests, while others including clover, and buckwheat, attract beneficial insects that can help control harmful populations.
• Carbon sequestration - cover crops absorb atmospheric carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
How to Use Cover Crops
Farmers and gardeners typically plant cover crops in the off-season or between main crop rotations, following these basic steps:
• Select the right cover crop - choose a crop that aligns with your soil needs and growing conditions. For example, for nitrogen fixation, legumes are ideal, and for erosion control, grasses work best.
• Planting time - cover crops can be planted in late summer, early autumn, or after harvesting the main crop. Timing is crucial to ensure they establish before winter.
• Managing growth - depending on the crop, some may need occasional mowing to prevent excessive growth. This helps maximise soil benefits without interfering with the next planting season.
• Termination and incorporation - before planting the next main crop, cover crops are typically cut down, tilled into the soil, or left as mulch to decompose naturally.
Cover Crops from Boston Seeds
With over a decade’s experience in supplying cover crop seed to UK farmers, here at Boston Seeds, we understand how essential Cover Crops are for sustainable agriculture, benefiting both the environment and farm productivity. By improving soil health, preventing erosion, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs, they play a vital role in promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. Whether used by large-scale farmers or home gardeners, cover crops offer an effective, natural way to maintain healthy and fertile soil.
To find out more, browse our Cover Crops or request a catalogue to view the entire range. Alternatively, call our expert sales team on 01205 280069 for any other help and advice.
