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