Cover crops are one of the most effective tools available for improving soil health, conserving water, reducing erosion, and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability. Farmers and land managers across the country are increasingly turning to cover cropping systems to build healthier soils and create more resilient farming operations. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE) offers an extensive collection of online cover cropping resources designed to help growers better understand and implement these valuable conservation practices.
The SARE cover crop resources provide educational materials, research findings, field guides, case studies, videos, and practical management tools covering a wide range of cover cropping topics. Whether someone is just beginning to explore cover crops or already has experience using them in the field, the online library offers valuable information for many different agricultural systems and growing conditions.
Cover crops help protect soil between cash crop cycles while improving organic matter and supporting beneficial soil biology. Their roots improve soil structure, increase water infiltration, and reduce compaction. By covering bare ground, cover crops also reduce erosion caused by wind and rain while helping retain moisture during dry periods.
Many cover crop systems can also assist with nutrient management and weed suppression. Legume cover crops may contribute nitrogen to the soil naturally, while mixed species systems can help support biodiversity and improve overall ecosystem function. Cover crops are also widely used in conservation tillage and regenerative agriculture systems designed to minimize soil disturbance and improve long-term soil resilience.
The SARE online resources include information about selecting cover crop species, designing seed mixes, termination methods, planting schedules, grazing integration, and managing cover crops within crop rotations. Users can explore resources related to both legume and non-legume species as well as region-specific recommendations.
One of the strengths of the SARE platform is its ability to combine scientific research with practical, real-world farming experience. Growers can learn from successful examples and adapt practices to meet the needs of their own operations.
As climate variability, drought, and soil degradation continue challenging agriculture, cover cropping remains one of the most valuable strategies for building healthier and more sustainable farming systems.