Cover Crops and Conservation Tillage
for Soil Erosion Control on Cropland
Improved soil structure and tilth - Benefits of Cover Crops
Organic matter can act as a cement to bond soil particles into aggregates. Also, the breakdown of plant residues by soil microbes produce gums that glue larger aggregates together into peds. This process results in greater soil permeability and aeration, which eases crop emergence and promotes root growth. Tilth thus is improved. Tillage and planting (even when no-till) is easier in a soil with good tilth.