{"id":11402,"date":"2015-08-04T07:15:38","date_gmt":"2015-08-04T15:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ext100.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/?p=11402"},"modified":"2025-08-04T03:40:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T10:40:46","slug":"covercrops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/2015\/08\/04\/covercrops\/","title":{"rendered":"Cover Crops"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a&nbsp;Cover Crop?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s any crop grown for the protection and enrichment of the soil.&nbsp;Cover crops are one of the most effective ways to improve soil health, reduce outside inputs, and protect natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why use a&nbsp;Cover Crop?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevent erosion<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"297\" src=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-396x297.jpg\" alt=\"cover crop mix was crimson clover, annual ryegrass, Austrian winter pea and dicon radish\" class=\"wp-image-12905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-396x297.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-792x594.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-mix-was-crimson-clover-annual-ryegrass-Austrian-winter-pea-and-dicon-radish-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Leaves soften\/slow rainfall while robust&nbsp;root systems hang on to soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Retain nutrients<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"264\" src=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/10\/wheat-with-red-clover-396x264.jpg\" alt=\"Wheat with red clover\" class=\"wp-image-14147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/10\/wheat-with-red-clover-396x264.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/10\/wheat-with-red-clover-792x528.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/10\/wheat-with-red-clover-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/10\/wheat-with-red-clover.jpg 1090w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Plants take up unused nitrogen\/nutrients&nbsp;storing them for next season\u2019s crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve water quality<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"264\" src=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-396x264.jpg\" alt=\"cover crops in garden\" class=\"wp-image-12907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-396x264.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-792x528.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-gardfen-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sediment and nutrients are held by the&nbsp;cover crop, preventing them from leaching&nbsp;into surface and ground water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduce weeds<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"297\" src=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-396x297.jpg\" alt=\"turning cc in garden bed\" class=\"wp-image-13136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-396x297.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-792x594.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/turning-cc-in-garden-bed-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Rapidly establishing cover crops smother&nbsp;weeds before they have a chance to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Increase organic matter<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once turned into the soil, plant parts&nbsp;decompose at different rates to provide&nbsp;continuous supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Control soil pests &amp; disease<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"297\" src=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-396x297.jpg\" alt=\"Clover under corn\" class=\"wp-image-12897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-396x297.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-792x594.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/clover-under-corn-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some cover crops provide a natural&nbsp;fungicide-type effect on pathogens, while&nbsp;others enhance beneficial soil biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Break up heavy soils<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Daikon radish and others with large root&nbsp;systems can help break up hardpan and&nbsp;lighten heavy clay soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fix nitrogen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Using legumes like crimson clover and field&nbsp;peas increase available nitrogen for the&nbsp;next crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Save money<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, the use of cover crops can help&nbsp;reduce the need for fertilizer while helping&nbsp;increase yields.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cover Crop Resources for Gardeners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/Cover-Crops-in-WWa-FS111E.pdf\">Cover Crops in Western Washington<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/cover-crop-in-garden-from-OSU.pdf\">Cover Crops in the Garden from OSU<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/list-of-crops-with-garden-coverage.pdf\">Cover Crop List with coverage by 100 sq ft<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2053\/2015\/09\/methods-for-Successful-cover-Crop-Mngmt-in-Home-GarfdenFS119E.pdf\">Successful Cover Crop Management in Home Gardens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cover Crop Resources for Farmers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ars.usda.gov\/Main\/docs.htm?docid=20323\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Cover Crop Chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/SARE_BeyondBlackPlastic_4-2-2014.pdf\">Beyond Black Plastic<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/Cover-crops-on-the-intensive-market-farm.pdf\">Cover&nbsp;Crops on the Intensive Market Farm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/Crop_Rotation_on_Organic_Farms.pdf\">Crop Rotation on Organic Farms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/coverUpWithAWinterCoverCrop_sf04.pdf\">Cover Up with a Winter Cover Crop from Snohomish Conservation District<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/covercrops-bestmanagementpractices.pdf\">Cover Crops Best Management Practices<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/cover-crops-in-vegetable-production-HORT3026.pdf\">Cover Crops in Vegetable Production<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/Combining-StripTillage-and-Cover-Crops-HORT3030.pdf\">Combining Strip Tillage and Cover Crops&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CrimsonClover<br>\nVetch<br>\nFieldPeas<br>\nFavaBeans<br>\nAnnualRye<br>\nWinterWheat<br>\nBuckwheat<br>\nDaikonRadish<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2015\/09\/covercrop-pictures.png\" alt=\"covercrop pictures\" title=\"cover crop examples\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n        <div id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" hidden aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            <a id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top-btn\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__btn\" href=\"#product-top\" aria-label=\"Back to top\">\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span>\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__label\">Back to top<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2191 Back to top<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_external_link":"","_expiration_date":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11402"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11402"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42179,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11402\/revisions\/42179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/snohomish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}