Roll of cover crops in enhance ecological services
Journal Title: International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 23
Abstract
Arid and semi-arid regions are characterized by water scarcity, hot dry weather and large area of poor soils. Cover crops could be considered the backbone of any annual cropping system that seeks to be sustainable. In this publication we summarize the principal uses and benefits of cover crops. Brief descriptions and examples are provided for winter cover crops, living mulches, catch crops, and some forage crops. To impart a sense of the importance of these practices in sustainable farming, we summarize the effect of cover crops on: organic matter and soil structure, nitrogen production, soil microbial activity, nutrient enhancement, weed suppression, and soil and water conservation. The very nature of cover crop benefits, as well as the fact that they have both short-term and long-term effects, means that it is often difficult to assign a monetary value to them. Ultimately, the insertion of cover crops into a crop rotation should increase the overall sustainability of the farm.
Authors and Affiliations
Mahmud Ramroudi and Saeed Sharafi
Keywords
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