Potential and Challenges of Growing Cover Crops in Organic Production Systems

Organic farming has long been recognised nationally and internationally as a method for improving agricultural sustainability and resilience. Consumers have also become increasingly selective regarding their food choices, associated health and environmental consequences. Cover crops can suppress weeds through physical hindrance of weed seed germination and seedling growth. In general, most cover-crop species are either annuals or short-lived perennials with no long-lived roots competing with subsequent cash crops for soil nutrients. Cover crops are also used in rotational organic grain production systems. Single-species cover crops are easy to incorporate into cropping systems; however, they can only provide specific functions. Planting time of cover crops is critical for maximising agronomic outcomes. Cover crops by definition are not intended to be grazed or harvested; however, interest is growing in the potential benefits of utilising cover crops in integrated crop-livestock systems, especially when forage supply is limited.