The impact of cover crops on soil quality

Increase water infiltration into soil

Increase soil aggregate stability

Improve soil macroporosity

Increase residue cover

Reduce soil erosion

Reduce soil compaction

Reduce sudden fluctuations in soil temperature

Increase soil organic carbon

Recycle nutrients

Increase N concentration

Enhance microbial activity and biomass

Increase populations of earthworms and beneficial insects

Promote N fixation

Reduce some diseases

Increase or sustain crop yields

Weed control

Potential forage harvest

Reduce labor costs

Reduced chemical costs

Improve landscape aesthetics