Cover Crops

1. Cover Crops (Positive)

This publication describes how cover crops are used as a horticultural practice that is beneficial to the environment. Cover crops are used to improve the health of soil by increasing the amount of organic matter, prevent erosion, increase soil nitrogen content, and create a habitat/food source for insects. By planting cover crops, the soil is held in place by the plant’s root system. This practice is commonly used in fields that are not currently in use, to prevent erosion. Having a higher amount of organic matter in the soil (4%+) helps nourish the soil and aid in the growing of other, primary crops. By killing cover crops at there optimal bloom time, before they have the ability to reseed (which can cause a future weed problem), the organic matter is placed back into the soil through decomposition. During optimal bloom time crops also have the highest biomass production. This is very important when cover crops are used as a means to increase organic material in soil. Deep-rooted cover crops also increase water infiltration. The root system provides passageways for water to flow to more easily.

Leguminous cover crops increase the nitrogen content of the soil. Legume root systems contain a bacterial known as Rhizobium that store nitrogen on the root system of the crops. This increases the nitrogen contents of the soil.

 Legume cover crops can be intended for the purpose of increasing nitrogen while others are chosen for their ability to suppress weeds. This horticulture practice also has the advantage of weed control. Choosing specific crops can help deter weeds. Thick heavy crops can decrease the amount of light a weed seed from germinating, and others naturally excrete chemicals that prevent germination.

 Using cover crops can also provide as a habitat and food source for insects.

https://georgiaorganics.org/wp-content/themes/GeorgiaOrganics/Downloads/pdf/CoverCropsforSoilImprovementinHorticulturalCrops.pdf

Cover Crops for Soil Improvement in Horticultural Crops

Alan Ware

2. Use of Native Plants in Landscaping (Positive)

This website details some of the environmental benefits of using native plants when landscaping. Native plants are plants that occur naturally in an environment without human interaction. The use of native plants has many benefits on the environment. Using native plants limits the use of fertilizers, pesticides, reduces the need for additional water, creates food/habitat for wildlife, and helps control invasive species.  The use of native plants creates a natural balance and limits the need to human intervention, which can be costly and damaging to the environment. These plants are well suited for the environment and soil in which they are planted that eliminates the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Plants thrive in native is no need for additional fertilizers, which can run off and end up in water ways and lead to eutrophication. Native plants flourish in their environment’s because they are accustomed to potential pests. This can allow growers to not use pesticides. Pesticides can have a negative effect on the environment as they work their way up the ecosystem. These plants do not need excess water because they are meant to handle certain environmental conditions, such as temperature and annual rainfall. Plants that are not native may require additional water that has a negative effect on the environment and is wasteful. Having more plants also increases air quality. Having a mixture of native plants provides shelter and food for wildlife. Native animals and plants are co-dependent. For example, the presence of bees; bees need pollen as a food source while plants need bees for pollination. Creating a habitat for many animals, such as birds, insects, and other animals has a positive effect on the environment. This also reduces the presence of invasive species. Native plants are naturally occurring and thrive; by using these in landscaping there are many benefits to the environment.