Use of cover crops for sustainable management of soil condition and health: A review

Abstract

Cover crops (CCs) are widely recognized for their numerous benefits to soil condition and health, the environment, and agricultural productivity. Despite extensive literature documenting these benefits, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that consolidate the findings, hindering the broader adoption of effective practices. This review examines the impact of cover crops on key soil properties, including bulk density (BD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), organic matter (OM) content, pore size distribution, and water infiltration. A total of 190 studies from various countries, climatic zones, and agricultural practices were analysed, with the majority of data originating from 2–3-year studies conducted in the USA. The findings reveal that cover crops reduce soil bulk density by 1–24 %, increase organic matter by 7–74 %, enhance macropores by 1–67 %, and improve water infiltration rates by 5–629 %. Additionally, cumulative infiltration rates increased by 29–170 %, and Ksat was elevated by 10–627 %. Long-term studies (spanning 15 to 34 years) indicated even greater improvements in Ksat and soil porosity. Overall, cover crops were found to enhance soil organic matter, hydraulic properties, and overall soil condition, thereby contributing to sustainable crop production across a range of climatic, soil, and management conditions. Long-term research is necessary to better understand the impact of cover crops on soil properties, nutrient availability, crop performance, and environmental outcomes, which will inform the development of optimal soil-site-climate specific cover crop management practices.