Some apparently identified and commonly experienced benefits of cover crops also known as gap crops are: Reduced soil erosion; addition or conservation of nitrogen; weed suppression; improved traction and increased arthropods etc. If not selected properly, it may deliver negative impacts also. Some of probable negative impacts of gap crops are: Increased frost hazards; increased weed problems; depletion of soil moisture and increased cost. The proper selection of gap crop can eliminate any possibility of negative impacts. You have sufficient options to choose from.
Cover crops are used frequently worldwide but problem may occur if you use same species years after years. Localized environment niches like sand streaks or areas with different soil nutrients availability can also provide unfavorable conditions for single species. Providing different kinds of gap crops species in perfect mix may enable one species to flourish in a land where other may be weak.
Resident vegetation is natural-occurring weeds. This field cover is inexpensive to manage. It offers numerous benefits of sown cover crops like more traction, better soil filth and favorable atmosphere for much needed insects. It contains almost no nitrogen-contributing legumes very essential for organic farms.
Reseeding winter gap crops reseed and lost during spring and regenerate at next fall at their own. Clovers, medics, oats, barley, vetches, Blando' brome and 'Zorro' fall under this category. Field peas and Fava beans do not reseed effectively. Some species reseed only if irrigation is done properly.
High Biomass Mixes produce large amounts of plant matter also known as biomass. It is used to add organic matter to soil. High biomass contains large seeds. These are usually easy to grow. Two basic high biomass mixes are commonly used. These are pure legume and grass blends. Pure legume blends add maximum amount of available nitrogen to farm soil.
Perennial legumes and grasses provide permanent cover that offers round the year traction. These enhance the convenience of crop management. Drought tolerant perennial grasses are popular among grape growers. Meadow barley and brome are good for dry periods or the places, where water is scarce. It is the appropriate choice for drip irrigation.
So options for selecting the right
cover crops in each season and to boost the production of next main crop are many. Many government run institutes and agricultural institutes offer free guidance to the wiling farmers, get the advantage.
