While cover crops may not generate traditional income and require the use of a little extra water, the benefits outweigh the costs according to the California Department of Agriculture.
Secretary Karen Ross told Farm Progress that cover crops are one of the most popular practices they see farmers employ in their health soils program, and it is for good reason.
Their benefits include:
- Protecting against soil erosion
- Improving soil health
- Crowding out weeds
- Controlling pests and disease
The benefits are also noteworthy that a group of more than 30 individuals worked together to publish Cover Cropping in the SGMA Era.
The 89-page report shows that soil water infiltration increased more than 40% and runoff was reduced by more than 40% when cover crops are used— critical for areas like California’s San Joaquin Valley where groundwater challenges are more prevalent than ever.
