NRCS definition: Grasses, legumes, and other forbs planted for seasonal vegetative cover. 

This practice is applied to support one or more of the following purposes:

• Reduce sheet, rill, and wind erosion.
• Maintain or increase soil organic matter.
• Improve soil aggregate stability.  
• Improve habitat for soil organisms.
•  Reduce water quality degradation by utilizing excess soil nutrients.
• Reduce weed and plant pest pressure.  
• Improve moisture management.
• Reduce soil compaction.
• Supply nitrogen to the subsequent crop.
• Improve habitat for pollinators, beneficial organisms, or natural enemies of crop pests. 

 

Need help deciding what cover crop will work well for you?
Cover Crop selector