Cover Crops


What is a Cover Crop?

Cover Crops are grown between crops for the protection and enrichments of the soil. Many cover crops can double as a source of forage and hay as well.

Why are Cover Crops Important?

Cover crops are used to help add organic matter and other nutrients to the soil. They can also be used to improve soil respiration, reduce compaction, increase water content, and combat other structural issues in the soil. Cover crops provide many benefits for both the soil and following season’s crops.

Benefits of Cover Crops:

  • Nitrogen Fixation

  • Added organic matter 

    • Higher Carbon, P & K levels

  • Soil respiration/aeration

  • Reduces soil compaction

  • Weed control

    • Allelopathic weed suppression

  • Erosion control 

  • Wildlife habitat & food source

  • Winter forage/hay

Selecting a Cover Crop

The first thing to consider when utilizing cover crops is the purpose of the crop. There are many covers crop options to fit a wide variety of goals. Knowing soil textural type, soil fertility, and what crops/plants will be planted following the cover crop are a good place to start. The best way to determine if your soil is healthy is to get a soil test. Local Extension agents can provide assistance and should have a list of soil testing facilities available in your area.

A soil test typically shows the available nutrients in the soil, pH levels, and the over health and fertility of the soil. Knowing soil textural type can be beneficial as well. Sandier soils are typically low in organic matter while clay soils, while high in organic matter, are heavier and much denser than other soil types. 

Cover Crop Options

Nitrogen Fixation:

  • Peas

  • Clovers

  • Vetch

  • Birdsfoot Trefoil


High Organic Matter:

  • Radish

  • Turnips

  • Peas

  • Clovers

  • Oats


Fights Soil Compaction:

  • Radish

  • Turnips

  • Alfalfa

  • Sweetclover

  • Clovers

  • Annual Ryegrass

Erosion Control:

  • Annual Ryegrass

  • Oats

  • Wildrye

  • Buckwheat

  • Wheat

  • Rye Grain

  • Barley

  • Triticale

  • Clovers

  • Peas

  • Sorghum x Sudangrass

  • Millet


Weed Suppression:

  • Annual Ryegrass

  • Clovers

  • Oats

  • Rye Grain

  • Buckwheat

Grazing:

  • Turnips

  • Rapeseed

  • Radish

  • Clovers

  • Alfalfa

  • Wheat

  • Triticale

  • Sorghum x Sudangrass

  • Rye Grain

  • Pearl Millet

  • Oats

  • Annual Ryegrass

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Planting and Terminating Cover Crops

Cover crops should be planted in between crops, usually in the fall from mid-August to mid-September. If a crop is still growing, many cover crops can be planted in between rows. Seed can be broadcast, drilled, or aerially seeded. For smaller areas (<1 acre) broadcast seeding typically works best, while drilling and aerial seeding will work best for larger areas. 

Any cover crop that does not winterkill will need to be terminated in the spring. Termination should take place at least three weeks before regular season crops are to be planted. There are a few techniques to accomplish this including tilling, roller-crimping, herbicide application, mowing, and burning. Tilling will incorporate the most organic matter into the soil, but this method can be damaging to highly erodible soils. 

You can find more information through Nebraska Extension’s cover crop resources. The SARE Outreach website can provide information on incentives and funding available for cover crops. Find our available cover crop mixes and species as well as more about their benefits here.