3/6/06 Cover Crops

This is a picture of the cover crop we planted on one of our farmed properties this winter.  Cover crops both protect and nourish the soil – and help keep soil in place during heavy rains. 

The inset close-up shows the different plants in our mix: beans, vetch, and peas which add nitrogen to the soil.  Grasses deposit organic matter into the soil, which helps our sandy soils retain moisture and fertility.