Assessing the effects of cover crops on cash crop yields

Publication date: 17-06-2026
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Inderjot Chahal, University of Guelph, Canada; Yvonne Lawley, University of Manitoba, Canada; Alex L. Woodley, North Carolina State University, USA; Maryse Bourgault, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; and Laura L. Van Eerd, University of Guelph, Canada

Chapter synopsis:

Cover crops (CC) provide numerous soil, crop, and environmental benefits. However, the benefits of CC on increasing the subsequent crop yield remain unclear and debatable. Here, we comprehensively summarized the existing literature on the (a) various agronomic and pedoclimatic variables which impact the CC performance, (b) explored the potential mechanisms through which CC influence the main crop yield, and (c) and highlighted the directions for future research to ensure a better fit of CC into agricultural systems. Results of our review suggest that CC induced effects on the next crop yield are largely dependent on the CC species, duration of CC growing season, regional climatic differences, and the main crop type. Overall, the holistic knowledge generated will contribute to advance CC adoption by the researchers, policy makers, and extension personnel.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0162.09