AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds has issued a publication to outline the pros and cons associated with cover crops following renewed interest in their use.

Information Sheet 41 Opportunities for cover crops in conventional arable rotations was developed by NIAB TAG with funding from AHDB and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF).

Dr Paul Gosling, from AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, said: “Driven, in part, by CAP greening measures, there has been an upsurge in interest in the use of cover crops.

“In response, we commissioned NIAB TAG to review the cover crop literature and prepare basic information for those considering growing autumn-sown cover crops as an entry to spring cropping.”

With a focus on several cover crop species – brassicas (mustards, radishes and turnips), legumes (vetch and clovers), and grasses and cereals (oats, rye and ryegrass) – the publication describes agronomic and environmental benefits, as well as agronomic considerations.

Dr Gosling continued: “The inclusion of cover crops can add real value as part of a long-term rotational strategy. In particular, cover crops can reduce soil exposure to the elements and act as a useful source of organic matter.

“But it is important to make sure the cover crop chosen fits in with farm practice, capabilities, expertise and equipment, and this publication will help guide that choice.”

Information Sheet 41 also includes two CSF-developed case studies illustrating cover crop approaches deployed at two farms.

Download the publication at cereals.ahdb.org.uk/publications