From Erosion Control to Soil Health: The Value of Cover Crops

Cover crops are gaining attention as farmers look for ways to protect their soil and improve long-term productivity.

In the latest episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with farmer and agronomist David Kleinschmidt to discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating cover crops into a farming system. Kleinschmidt explains that cover crops are planted between cash crops and can help reduce erosion from wind and rain while keeping living roots in the soil longer.

Beyond erosion control, cover crops can help support soil microbes, improve nutrient cycling and contribute to better soil structure over time. Kleinschmidt also notes that while there can be a learning curve, farmers don’t have to start big. Simple approaches such as seeding cereal rye after harvest or flying on oats and radishes earlier in the season can help producers begin experimenting with the practice.

While every farm is different, Kleinschmidt encourages farmers to start small, stay flexible and focus on their long-term goals for soil health and farm management.