What is a primary use of cover crops?

The primary use of cover crops is to enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion. Cover crops are planted primarily during the off-season when soil would otherwise be bare. They serve multiple beneficial purposes; one of their key roles is to add organic matter to the soil as they grow and when they are tilled under, which helps improve soil structure and nutrient content. This added organic matter can significantly increase the microbiome activity in the soil, enhancing overall fertility.

Furthermore, cover crops play a vital role in preventing soil erosion by providing ground cover that reduces the impact of rainfall on the soil surface. This helps to keep the soil in place and reduces the likelihood of nutrient runoff during storm events.

In contrast, reducing soil acidity, introducing harmful pests, and increasing water drainage, while potentially relevant in specific contexts, do not align with the primary functions or intended benefits of cover crops.