Cover crops

Baseline strategy · No score

It keeps plants alive between crops to cover the soil, reduce erosion and improve its functioning.

Subject: Agriculture and cropsContext: Agriculture · Crops · Rural environmentCost: mediumEffort: mediumLevel: recommendedStage: planning and operationMaturity: established
Principle of Cultivos de cobertura
Operating principle

How it works

It keeps plants alive between crops to cover the soil, reduce erosion and improve its functioning.

Agricultural management combines soil protection, efficient use of nutrients and water, pest control and biodiversity conservation.

When does it make sense?

  • Cultivation, soil, climate and water availability are known
  • Practice can be tested on an appropriate scale
  • Performance and impacts are measured without shifting problems

How to apply it

  1. 1

    Delimit the measurement and measure the starting position.

  2. 2

    Apply the measure with competent personnel and check for site-specific risks.

  3. 3

    Follow results, maintain the solution and correct unwanted effects.

Potential benefits

Better protected soil and water

Lower reliance on inputs

Increased crop resilience

Limitations and precautions

  • Value water consumption and competition with the next crop.
  • The advantages vary between crops, seasons and regions.
  • Production, water consumption and any transfer of impacts should be monitored.

Keep Exploring

Related strategies

Illustration of Leguminosas en la rotación
Legumes in rotationIt integrates legumes that fix nitrogen and can reduce some of the need for external fertilizer.See strategy
Illustration of Conservación de rastrojos
Retention of crop residuesIt retains sufficient crop residues to protect the soil without compromising health or sowing.See strategy
Illustration of Rotación de cultivos
Crop rotationAlternative crop families to diversify nutrients, disrupt pests and protect soil productivity.See strategy