Cover Crops Guide
Resource explained
The Cover Crops Guide describes itself as ‘the UK’s first accessible, independent, farmer-led and scientifically supported farmers’ guide on cover cropping.’ It was founded by Yorkshire farmer Angus Gowthorpe and launched in 2023 in partnership with a steering group: the Farmer Scientist Network, a group supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, David Purdy Soils, Kings Crops/Frontier, Newcastle University and AHDB. The guide was designed together with farmers through a series of online, in-person and on-farm workshops with farmers and other key stakeholders. This identified the most valuable content and key knowledge gaps. Funds were provided through the Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by InnovateUK in collaboration with Defra. In 2024, AHDB took on the overall responsibility for the guidance and continue to work with the steering group to develop the guide. The guide takes the form of a website with different sections on soil health, a cover crop selection tool, establishment techniques, and methods of cover crop destruction. There are also links to online cover crop resources, and a section with case studies and ‘cover crop champions.’
Findings & recommendations
- Cover cropping isn’t one-size-fits-all; poor choices at any stage (species, timing, termination) can lead to failure, so tailor decisions to your soil, climate, rotation and equipment.
- Intercropping cover crops between cash crops can improve soil organic matter, reduce erosion and nutrient loss, increase water infiltration and benefit soil structure and biodiversity.
- Establish cover crops soon after harvest, ideally in warm, moist soil, to maximise growth and biomass before colder weather; late sowing reduces effectiveness.
- Choose sowing methods and seed rates that suit soil type and seed characteristics to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and reliable establishment.
- Terminate cover crops at the right time (typically well before the next crop), to avoid yield penalties and allow residues to break down, improving soil warming and reducing disease or weed risks.
- Use appropriate termination methods (grazing, rolling, crimping or herbicide) based on cover crop species, soil conditions and weather to avoid soil compaction and ensure effective destruction.
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Phil SumptionEdited by:
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