Sustainable Agriculture

Cover crops are important components of sustainable agricultural systems. They bring numerous benefits while at the same time have a minimal effect on the environment.

In this section, find information on sustainable agriculture of cover crops, including crop rotation and conservation tillage, extending the grazing season, and interseeding. Find tips on soil compaction and using flowering cover crops for native pollinating bee conservation.

Cover Crops in Sustainable Agriculture

Cover crops play a vital role in sustainable agriculture. They can be used to increase surface residue and help reduce soil erosion. There are improvements in the structure and water-holding capacity of the soil when cover crops are used. Flowering cover crops are also being used for native pollinating bee conservation. At the same time, the issue of cover crop control is something else producers have to be aware of.

Producers can use a wide range of cover crops, depending on their specific goals. On livestock farms, farmers use sustainable dairy cropping systems, such as roller-crimping cover crops, manure injection, or leguminous cover crops. Penn State Extensions Sustainable Dairy Cropping Systems Research Tour provides a hands-on approach to help you learn about the latest practices. The Cover Crop Field Day workshop and Farming for Success workshop also provides expert instruction on various cropping systems.

There can be issues with cover crop systems, especially when there is a late harvest or short season. Interseeding cover crops is one method that has proved to be successful in corn. A team from Penn State Extension has been evaluating the Cover Crop Interseeder and Applicator system for several years on farms in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.

Cover Crops and Soil Conservation Practices

Cover crops play a fundamental role in any sustainable farming system but are most commonly used to protect and build up the soil, and ensure it stays healthy and productive. Cover crops are grown in the fall, following a harvest where they remain during the winter. In the spring they are terminated and left on the surface as a residue for conservation tillage. Farmers also incorporate them into the soil.

When properly planned and executed, cover crops protect farmland during its most vulnerable period and help to maximize soil fertility.

Conservation Tillage and Cover Crops

Conservation tillage is a system that leaves enough crop residue on the soil surface after planting to provide 30% soil cover. According to SSSA, this is the amount needed to reduce erosion below tolerance levels. Conservation tillage practitioners, however, typically aim for greater soil cover because of the added benefits of crop residue.

Cover crops play a vital role in creating this residue, thereby maximizing tillage benefits. A well-planned crop-rotation system that involves various cover crops helps producers avoid problems such as increased soil compaction, perennial weeds, plant diseases, and slow early season growth.