The drop in agriculture produce is the major concern for most of countries. The total agriculture produce in most of countries is going down despite marathon efforts. Regular shrinkage of farming land and the availability of better rewarding career options are the major reasons. Increasing prices of machinery, equipments, fuels, pesticides and fertilizers etc are also forcing the farmers to change their profession. Is this right trend? Definitely- no. However, the increasing awareness about cover crops and strip-tillage comes as a big relief for the governments.
Cover crops are known as gap crops also. These are grown to protect the farm from various undesired environmental and natural occurring impacts. These have the capability to manage soil erosion under permissible limit as well as to check tilting soil trend in sides. These have been proved very effective in maintaining organic substances. Cover crop is very effective in controlling compaction in soil that makes the soil surface too hard to be penetrated. Periodic plantation of these crops increases the water filtration to the depths that decreases gradually after continuous plantation of cash crops.
Cover crops are known as green manure crops also. These are very effective for recycling and retaining plant nutrients during gap period. These provide proper space and environmental protection for the growth of much needed microorganisms. Advantages of gap crops are numerous. But to avail these as per expectations, farmers need to know complete green manure crops management.
Many farmers, who use green manure crops for various reasons may be frustrated. Excessive winter or summer and short or excess rainfall may affect the growth of cover crop. If the climate doesnt suit, its decay may take longer period. The contribution of organic matters by gape crops depends upon varying determinants. Left over amount, size of left over crops and moisture in soil etc are just few to name. In some cases, left over crops are crushed by the harrows or other suitable machines. Smaller pieces of leaves and stems decay sooner with better uniformity. Many farmers think that plantation of
cover crops is just the wastage of time and efforts. Nowadays, many of these are being used in manufacturing processes for different purposes; alternative fuel source and packaging are just few of those.
The other farming method that is gaining tremendous popularity is
strip tillage. Under this method, strips are made throughout the field. It saves lot of fuel, water, pesticides and fertilizers etc as a result farmers feel their profession more profitable.
