Green manures and cover crops for soil health

Green manures and cover crops enhance soil health and manage soil-borne diseases in organic and low-input farming. They reduce erosion, leaching, and weed pressure while improving soil structure and suppressing pathogens like nematodes. Fast-growing species are effective for dual use: initially as cover crops for protection and weed control, then tilled in as green manures to return nutrients and bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates. This factsheet offers practical guidance for field and horticultural crop practitioners on integrating these sustainable soil management practices into crop rotations, supporting long-term soil fertility and resilience. Part of the Best4Soil project and Organic Farm Knowledge platform.