Cover Crops - Select Wisely To Ensure The Benefits

Cover crops are used to boost the richness of soil that decreases with regular planting of main crops. Cover crops add nitrogen back in the soil. These also prevent erosion. After being tilled in soil, these also provide food for underground worms that maintain natural aeration. Cover crops are necessary not only for the large size farms but individuals having gardens in their houses also use these crops to improve the growth of next crop. Because of the ongoing agricultural researches, many crops have been identified as cover crops. Clover, Vetch, Winter Rye and Alfalfa are equally popular among the farm owners and the small garden owners. Each of these has its own characteristics and so serves unique benefits, which can’t be compared with those of others.

Clover makes necessary lawn replacement. It may germinate even in shade. It works well on compact soil and absorbs less moisture than other intermittent crops. If a vegetable garden is underway, you can over seed clover. It grows as a vegetables wane. Because of being categorized as winter covering crop, it is planted in October end - September. It comes in red and white two varieties but reports of red one are more encouraging.

Vetch is normally planted in fall. It comes up till spring. It is has vine-like fuzzy leaves and bears blue flowers. Hairy vetch has shallow roots system and is good for the excessive cold conditions. Experts recommend Vetch for sandy or drained soil. If it is left to grow late in spring, it can absorb the soil moisture.

Winter rye is a quick growing cover crop. It is a good source of getting nitrogen in shorter period. Its large root system breaks up the soil. Winter rye is a cold tolerant covering crop. It is popular because it can germinate even in poor soil.

Because of having deep going roots, Alfalfa breaks up the hard soil. Its roots can reach even 15 feet deep. It grows good till the weather is warm. Besides being a good source of nitrogen, alfalfa delivers a rich dose of protein and calcium also to the soil.

There are many other options. But the selection of cover crops entirely depends upon the particular planning of next crop, whether conditions, soil requirements and ground condition. To help you out at this front, many Governments aided or Pvt Research centers offer free guidance. Therefore, if you inexperienced in cover crops; do it under exert monitoring to ensure the benefits.

By: Jonnie T. Allen

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About the Author:- Jonnie T. Allen is writing articles for slyagri, We specialize in agriculture Development by cover crops, cover crop, Strip tillage, strip cat and many more…