Assessing synergistic effects of no-tillage and cover crops on soil carbon dynamics in a long-term maize cropping system under climate change

•Long-term synergetic effects of no-tillage and cover crops on soil C were simulated.•No-tillage increased soil organic C stocks relative to conventional tillage.•Elevated CO2 and warming may benefit cover crops growth and increase soil C input.•No-tillage and cover crops would synergistically enhance soil C sequestration.