Cover crops
Cover Crops
Cover crops (pronunciation: /ˈkʌvər krɒps/) are plants that are primarily grown for the benefit of the soil rather than the crop yield. They are typically grown to suppress weeds, manage soil erosion, help build and improve soil fertility and quality, and control diseases and pests.
Etymology
The term "cover crop" originates from the practice's purpose. The word "cover" (from Old French covrir meaning "to cover") refers to the crop's ability to cover the soil, thereby protecting it from erosion and nutrient loss. The word "crop" (from Old English crop meaning "sprout, bud") refers to the plants that are grown and harvested.
Related Terms
- Green Manure: A type of cover crop that is grown and then incorporated into the soil to increase its organic matter and nutrient content.
- Catch Crops: These are grown to catch or trap nutrients in the soil that would otherwise be lost through leaching.
- Soil Erosion: The removal of the top layer of soil through natural processes, which cover crops help to prevent.
- Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to sustain plant growth, which cover crops help to improve.
- Weed Suppression: The process of inhibiting weed growth, a common benefit of growing cover crops.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cover crops
- Wikipedia's article - Cover crops
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