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Cover crops benefit the soil, water, and ecosystem
A cover crop is a community of plants grown to benefit the soil rather than for harvest.
A cover crop is a community of plants grown to benefit the soil rather than for harvest.
Cover crops at Beaver Food Forest are important for many reasons, including ecosystem and agricultural benefits:
Cover crops:
Less weeds
Less weeds
Out-compete weeds and prevent them from growing, requiring less maintenance.
Healthier soil
Healthier soil
Enhance the soil.
The roots of the plants prevent erosion while also retaining more water due to the roots' high surface area.
Preventing erosion also prevents excess nutrients from running into waterways like rivers and lakes
Cover plants can pick up excess nutrients left over from previous crops and add them back into the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Boost beneficial animals and insects to help control harmful pests.
More organic matter
More organic matter
Add organic material to the soil, which fuels microbial activity, earthworms, and beneficial fungi.
Text drafted by Mackenzie Maxwell; Photos by Julie Vanderwal
Questions?
Questions?
Contact beaverfoodforest@gmail.com to get more information on the project
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