In this session, leading experts dive deep into the soil-related benefits of cover crops. Ray Weil (University of Maryland) discusses the physical benefits, including improved water infiltration and aggregate stability, as well as reduced compaction. Michel Cavigelli (USDA-ARS) explains how cover crop management affects soil health, addressing cropping systems, carbon storage, organic matter, conservation tillage and long-term dynamics. Stuart Grandy (University of New Hampshire) discusses emerging concepts for harnessing microbes to build organic matter.