Agricultural Practices and Agroecosystems Utilizing Cover Crops

Abstract

Single cropping and continuous cropping are agricultural practices of serious concern in Japan. However, cover crops may help mitigate the effects and contribute to local environmental conservation and sustainable crop productivity. This paper discusses the significance of cover crops to the agroecosystem in relation to the tillage system. According to our literature survey, cover crops improve soil carbon sequestration, scavenge residual soil nitrogen, and provide nitrogen to subsequent crops. This cover crop performance has great potential for developing unique conservation agriculture practices because cover crops have many benefits in comparison to manure or compost application.