Diverse cover crops improve soil fertility from "summary" of Growing a Revolution by David R Montgomery
In agricultural systems worldwide, cover crops have long been used to protect and enrich soils. These plants can reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. But not all cover crops are created equal when it comes to enhancing soil fertility. Monocultures of cover crops, while beneficial in many ways, do not provide the same level of benefits as diverse mixtures of cover crops. When multiple species of cover crops are grown together, the soil can benefit in a variety of ways. Different plants have different root structures, which can penetrate different layers of soil and access different nutrients. This diversity underground helps create a more extensive and interconnected root system, which in turn improves soil structure and nutrient cycling. Diverse cover crop mixtures also support a wider range of soil microorganisms. These microscopic creatures play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for plants t...
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