Cover crops are plants primarily used as soil covers, providing numerous benefits to the soil, crops, and environment. As legumes, they perform several essential functions, particularly for the soil and the environment, as well as for oil palm, coconut and rubber trees.

Benefits of Growing Cover Crops

• Nutrient Recycling: Capture and recycle leftover nutrients from the previous crop, preventing nutrient leaching.
• Nutrient Fixation: Fix nutrients from the atmosphere in association with soil bacteria.
• Soil Structure Improvement: Enhance soil structure through root penetration at varying depths, which opens up channels for air and water movement, and breaks up compacted layers.
• Erosion Control: Protect soil from erosion by anchoring it with its massive tap root and foliage growth.
• Weed Suppression: Suppress weed growth through direct sunlight competition  and crowding effects.
• Organic Matter Increase: Generates a substantial biomass of fresh organic matter, which, when decomposed, releases nutrients gradually to subsequent crops, builds organic matter levels, and enhances soil structure.
• Biota Enhancement: Increase soil biota (bacteria, earthworms, fungi, insects) by providing a growing crop and consistent organic matter throughout the year. This boosts the breakdown of organic matter, balances the carbon-nitrogen ratio, and makes nutrients more available to crops.
• Pest Reduction: Reduce pest problems, particularly soil nematodes and leaf and stolon flea beetles, by growing suitable cover and companion crops.
• Cost Savings: Potentially reduce cultivation costs by  direct drill sowing.
• Wildlife Support: Encourage farmland wildlife and beneficial insects by creating habitat and food sources over an extended period.

Cover crops are environmentally friendly, reducing the need for herbicides and promoting sustainable farming practices