Summary
This 2022 review by Lamichhane and Alletto synthesises current understanding of the ecosystem services delivered by cover crops across farming systems. The authors propose a research roadmap to address knowledge gaps in how cover crops influence soil biology, pest and disease management, nutrient cycling, and broader environmental outcomes. The paper is positioned to guide future empirical and applied research priorities in this domain.
UK applicability
Cover crops are increasingly adopted in UK arable and mixed farming systems under agri-environment schemes and regenerative agriculture initiatives. This roadmap is likely directly applicable to UK conditions, particularly in identifying research needs for optimising cover crop choice and management within British climatic and soil contexts.
Key measures
Ecosystem service metrics associated with cover crops (soil properties, pest control efficacy, nutrient management, hydrological effects, and carbon sequestration as suggested by the title and journal scope)
Outcomes reported
The paper synthesises research on the ecosystem services provided by cover crops and identifies gaps and priorities for future investigation. It outlines a research roadmap addressing how cover crops influence soil health, pest suppression, nutrient cycling, and other agroecological functions.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.