The versatility of cover crops

The use of cover crops has been gaining momentum in recent years. It is especially farmers adhering to the principles of regenerative agriculture, or conservation agriculture, that are making huge strides in gaining experience in the benefits of various plant species, if they are utilised correctly.

- Izak Hofmeyr

It is all about sustainability, says Izak Dreyer, a producer running a mixed farming enterprise at Ascent, near Vrede in the Free State. “It is quite clear that the use of cover crops in a rotational crop production system is ecologically as well as economically sustainable. Apart from the advantages to the soil, input costs are reduced significantly, while yields increase or, at the very least, stay the same.

“From a practical point of view, the cover crop principle places our fodder flow situation in a different league. We still have a lot to learn about the concept, but it is obvious that cover crops take the sting out of the difficult months of August to October.”

Factors determining the mix

According to Douw Steyn of seed company Barenbrug, there are various factors that determine the specific components of a multi-species cover crop mix. These include climate, growth period and finance. However, the purpose of the cover crop remains an essential factor. Some species in the cover crop mix may aid in weed and nematode suppression, alleviate compaction, provide organic matter and release chemicals, all while promoting good grazing potential.

“An important goal is to have various types of root systems that operate at different soil depths. We are looking for a combination of deep taproots, aggressive subterranean root systems, nitrogen fixers and as many root hairs as possible.”