Cover crops cut nitrate leaching significantly — grain yields largely unaffected
Two global meta-analyses confirm that cover crops and undersown catch crops meaningfully reduce nitrate leaching, with Nordic data showing yield penalties are minimal when managed well. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) additionally buffer drought impacts on soil function and plant nutrient uptake. Soil organic matter shows a positive but variable relationship with crop yields — context matters. Practical implication: if you farm in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone or face increasing summer drought, prioritising cover crops and mycorrhizal-friendly practices is now well-supported by T1 evidence.