Read Next
Science & Tech
cover crop
agriculture
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
- University of Minnesota Extension - Cover crops
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education - Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations
- Fact Monster - Society - Cover Crop
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Cover Crops
- University of Hawaii - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources - Cover Crops and Green Manures
- University of Vermont Extension - Cover Crops
- Michigan State University - Cover Crop
cover crop, Fast-growing crop, such as rye, buckwheat, cowpea, or vetch, planted to prevent soil erosion, increase nutrients in the soil, and provide organic matter. Cover crops are grown either in the season during which cash crops are not grown or between the rows of some crops (e.g., fruit trees). See also green manure.