Alternative Label
- Catch crops
- Green cover
Code
A08
Year of Issue
2025
Sponge function(s)
Intercept rainfall
Slow down runoff
Sector
Agriculture
Summary
Green cover, cover crops or catch crops refers to crops planted in late summer or autumn, usually on arable land, to protect the soil, which would otherwise lie bare during the winter, against wind and water erosion. Green cover crops also improve the structure of the soil, diversify the cropping system, and mitigate the loss of soluble nutrients. Green cover crops are good strategies for controlling erosion, reducing runoff, and improving soil resilience.
Their use is particularly critical in European climates with high seasonal rainfall, where preventing nutrient runoff and maintaining soil cover are priorities.
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