Cover crop farming is an ancient farming practice. Recent research discoveries have made cover crops more popular. More and more farmers are using them to increase their annual yields. Results are being witnessed by individuals and professionals both. Earlier, these crops were planted without any planning. Only the availability or the common trend in the area used to be the selection parameters but now using gap crops has become a specific art that needs in-depth consideration over several aspects.
To get acclaimed advantages of cover crop, farm owners need to plant it at right time. Books upon this art may be helpful but recommendations in these books are made on the basis of standard conditions. These standard conditions may be different than those of your field and so the results wouldnt be as per expectations. These books are useful to get the basic knowledge about the particular advantages of particular crop as well as to know the right method to plant them. The final decision will depend upon the evaluation of real circumstances and weather conditions. The nature of farm soils also plays decisive role in the cover crops selection. Researchers recommend the rotation in cover crop farming.
Now, I brief the commonly visible non-technical benefits of
cover crop farming. These benefits are realized even by less experienced and non-technical farmers that too in very first attempt. Farmers and Researchers around the world have felt growth in the much required insects. Gap crops which are known as green manures also provide nectar & pollen to the farm soil. Most of manure crops belong to pea family. These are technically termed Leguminous. These crops provide rich booster dose of nitrogen supplement to farm soil.
Cover crops create enough hide-in or shelter space for much needed insects growth.
First time switchover may result in drop in main cash crop but there is nothing to worry. It may be because of wrong method of planting or selection of cover crop. But next time when you plant this gap crop with more attention, benefits start coming back into your pocket. These benefits would be in terms of reduced farming cost, reduced need of fertilizers or chemicals, less irrigation and the cost of cover crop that you sell. Yes, gap crops are not complete waste; part of these is being used for many applications. To save time and efforts, you may plant cover crops along with main cash crop also.
