The nursery crop industry is the fastest growing sector of US agriculture, contributing USD 5.1 billion to the economy. Due to the increased area and
The inclusion of a cover crop in a cropping system is a source of organic matter from biomass produced, which enhances biological activities and subsequently
Cover crops are among several conservation practices that have resilience-enhancing properties that are important for adaptation as well as the potential to reduce greenhouse gas
In agroecosystems, roots perform three basic functions for the plants: support, water supply, and nutrient supply. Root activity is intimately tied to the plant water
Cover crops are increasingly recognized for their multiple agronomic benefits, including improving soil quality and health, enhancing soil fertility, and preventing erosion. Choosing cover crops
This is a literature review of cover crop benefits from Dabney et al. 2001 and Dabney 1996. Cover crop benefits include soil erosion protection, reduced
Soil erosion and degradation is a serious global issue, but one way to reduce soil erosion and sustainably manage soil and its nutrients for increased
Cover crop selection based on geographic location and climate is essential to facilitate efficient N uptake capacity of the cover crops and their potential benefits
Most research on cover crop intersowing or sowing after soybean has been done with rye. This cover crop has proven to have many advantages. However,
Suitable cover crop species and reliable establishment methods need to be assessed to identify viable cover cropping strategies that provide environmental benefits while maintaining productivity
Lack of attractive short-term economic returns to growers and limited time for cover crop establishment following maize and soybean harvest are major reasons for slow
In colder agricultural regions like the upper Midwest, the availability of cold tolerant cover crop species is limited, which also limits double-cropping practices, especially in
Corn stover, when removed in excessive amounts, can lead to soil degradation. Though, without stover harvest, producers can face residue management problems with subsequent crops
Intensive maize and soybean production have caused negative impacts on water quality and soil quality. These impacts arise largely because the crops are present in
Within potato production systems, numerous soilborne diseases are persistent and cause recurrent problems, including reducing plant growth and vigor, lowering tuber quality, and reducing yield.
A summarization of the prior knowledge about potential cover crop benefits is needed for broader understanding of cover crop impacts on soil agricultural production and
Most agricultural soils are depleted of their soil organic matter (SOM) reserves. A severe loss of SOM content may degrade soil functionality, its capacity for
Healthy soils constitute the foundation of thriving ecosystems and societies and are directly tied to food and nutritional security, water quality, human health, climate change
In agroecosystems, small increase in biodiversity can lead to large benefits for ecosystem function. Cover crop mixtures can increase the functional trait diversity of crop
The soil health improvements that can come with the use of cover crops are associated with a variety of potential on-field benefits for the farmer.