Critical review of the impact of cover crops on soil properties

Summary

Grasses as well as leguminous and non-leguminous broadleaves are the major categories of commonly grown cover crops worldwide. This review focuses on the contribution of cover crops to soil properties. The review first considers the single and mixed cover crops and shows that grass species are desirable for their decay and ability to provide substantial soil cover, broadleaf species are used for their quick decomposition and capacity of releasing residues into the soil, while the leguminous species are used for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Secondly, the impacts of cover crops on soil health are reviewed. Integrating cover crops into conventional cropping systems may reduce soil bulk density, improve soil structure and hydraulic properties to facilitate increased water infiltr