What role do cover crops play in sustainable agriculture?

Protect and enhance soil health

Cover crops are planted not to be harvested, but to cover the soil when it is not in use for main crops. They help control erosion, improve soil structure, increase biodiversity, and enrich the soil with organic matter. Acting as a green fertilizer, they also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus supporting healthier and more sustainable agricultural ecosystems. The use of cover crops is a key example of how agricultural practices can simultaneously support productivity and environmental health.