What are cover crops grown for?

Cover crops are primarily grown for the purpose of improving soil health and nutrients. They play a crucial role in enhancing soil structure, increasing organic matter, and promoting soil microbial activity. By planting cover crops such as clover, vetch, or rye, farmers can prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve the overall fertility of the soil through the addition of organic material as the plants decompose.

Besides improving soil health, cover crops also contribute to nutrient cycling. For instance, legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient, which can then be utilized by the subsequent cash crops. This practice not only supports sustainable farming but also helps in maintaining soil productivity over time.

The other options, while related to broader agricultural practices, do not capture the primary objective of cover crops as effectively as the option about soil health. Preventing pest infestations is a secondary benefit of some cover crops, as they can disrupt pest life cycles. Increasing crop yield per acre can be an outcome of healthier soils but is not a direct purpose of planting cover crops. Reducing water usage is also not the main intent of cover crops, though they can help improve water retention in the soil. Overall, the focus of cover crops remains on enhancing and maintaining soil health