From increasing yield to improving soil health, find out why farmers use cover crops. Since 2012, SARE, CTIC and other partner organizations have conducted a national survey of farmers on their experiences with cover crops.
2019-2020 Survey: report (PDF)
2016-2017 Survey: report (PDF)
2015-2016 Survey: report (PDF)
2014-2015 Survey: report (PDF)
2013-2014 Survey: report (PDF)
2012-2013 Survey: report (PDF)
(This survey was not conducted in 2018-2019.)
The cover crop survey is conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in conjunction with SARE and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Sponsors within ASTA include Agassiz Seed, Ampac Seed Company, Beck’s Hybrids, Grassland Oregon, Green Cover Seed, La Crosse Seeds, Mountain View Seeds, ProHarvest Seeds and Seedway.
The Economics of Cover Crops
In addition, data from these surveys formed the basis of an economic analysis of cover crops to help farmers determine when cover crops begin to pay off in different management situations. This analysis is presented in the bulletin Cover Crop Economics: Opportunities to Improve Your Bottom Line in Row Crops.
Table of Contents
- Cover Crops: Selection and Management
- Cover Crops: Economics
- Cover Crops: Ecosystem Services from Cover Crops
- 10 Ways Cover Crops Enhance Soil Health
- Cover Crops at Work: Covering the Soil to Prevent Erosion
- Cover Crops at Work: Increasing Infiltration
- Cover Crops at Work: Keeping Nutrients Out of Waterways
- Cover Crops at Work: Increasing Soil Organic Matter
- Cover Crops and Carbon Sequestration
- Cover Crops Improve Soil Conditions and Prevent Pollution
- Impact of Cover Crops on Natural Enemies and Pests
- Cover Crop Impacts on Soil Invertebrates
- Cover Crop Impacts on Pollinators
- Cover Crop Effects on Deer and Other Mammalian Wildlife
- Cover Crop Effects on Songbirds and Game Birds
- Cover Crops: Environmental Impacts
- Cover Crops: Establishment
- Cover Crops: Crop Rotations
- Cover Crops: Soil and Fertility Management
- Cover Crops: Water Management
- Cover Crops: Pest Management
- Cover Crops: No-till
- Cover Crops: Miscellaneous Topics
- National Cover Crop Surveys
- Library of Images, Illustrations and Presentations
- Cover Crops: Additional Resources