Optimizing cover crops for soil health

Publication date: 21-08-2026
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Robert L. Myers, University of Missouri, USA

Chapter synopsis:

Cover crops have become a well-accepted management practice for improving soil health. However, many farmers and farm advisors are unfamiliar with the best strategies for using cover crops in a way that accelerates soil health improvements. This chapter describes how selection of cover crop species and mixes, timing of cover crop seeding and termination, management of residue and tillage, and cover crop grazing can impact overall soil health improvement. Relevant data from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) National Cover Crop Survey is included to illustrate farmer experiences with cover crops. New technology used with cover crop management such as virtual fencing for cover crop grazing are described. The chapter concludes by assessing different levels of cover crop adoption, each with progressively more potential for soil health improvement.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0166.02