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The Dirt on Cover Crops

Modern Farmer

As with many eco initiatives, what was old is new again: Cover crops (or fallow season plantings; see more below) were first used during the Roman Empire as a way to boost the soil quality in vineyards. Cover cropping is a means of increasing soil fertility without chemicals. How do cover crops work?

Crop 117
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Living Mulch Cover Cropping for Gardens and Small Farms: Managing an “organic matter” system

ATTRA

When he needed added biomass, he experimented with undersowing Dutch white clover into early harvested crops, mowing the post-harvest crop, and then drilling rye into the clover. But what if you leave the white clover cover crop to continue growing in the second year? Send me a note at lee@ncat.org to share your ideas.

Crop 102
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Regenerative Gardening, No-Till Winter Cover Crop Strategies

UnderstandingAg

Identifying Opportunities and Planning Successful cover cropping starts with a strong crop plan and requires additional planning around cash-crop termination and no-till seeding methods. This technique includes broadcasting seed into the existing crop after harvest, followed by mowing the cash crop.

Crop 90
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High Tunnel Soil Management for Season Extension

ATTRA

By Chris Lent, NCAT Agriculture Specialist When I began to see how unique the growing conditions in my high tunnel are compared to open-field growing, I started to think differently about how to maintain soil health and manage soil fertility for high tunnel growing and season extension. These strategies start with soil testing.

Compost 52
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A Satellite Image Exposes the ‘Bare Facts’ About Conventional Ag

UnderstandingAg

EVERY square inch of all those "brown areas" have been treated with various chemicals and fertilizers. Is it any wonder that our surface waters are filled with sediment, and fertilizer, and chemicals? Is it any wonder that our surface waters are filled with sediment, and fertilizer, and chemicals?

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Watershed Project Bolsters Food Security in the Philippines

Food Tank

As part of the restoration project, community members planted cash crops, perennial crops, and high-value crops that offered sources of livelihood. According to the FAO , ecosystems play a crucial role in agriculture by providing vital services like nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and water regulation.

Food 114
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Regenerative Agriculture: A Strategic Approach for Farming

Cropaia

This means increased crop yields and reduced inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Healthy soil can absorb and retain water more effectively, helping crops withstand droughts and floods. Healthy soil can absorb and retain water more effectively, helping crops withstand droughts and floods.