Cover crops are crops grown to improve the farming system. Cover crops can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, supply nitrogen, reduce leaching of nutrients and pesticides, reduce erosion, mitigate damage from plant pests andor reduce their population densities, and attract beneficial insects. Cover crops can also generate additional income when grown for seed or as an energy crop. While it is difficult to achieve all of the listed benefits with one crop, producers should select cover crops that offer multiple benefits at once. Producers should also consider potential drawbacks before deciding to include a cover crop.

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