Cover Crops for Sustainable Farming

• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Other Authors: Justes, Eric (Editor)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands : Imprint: Springer, 2017.
• Subjects: Life sciences.; Water quality.; Water pollution.; Agriculture.; Biodiversity.; Plant pathology.; Plant physiology.; Soil science.; Soil conservation.; Life Sciences.; Water Quality/Water Pollution.; Plant Physiology.; Plant Pathology.; Soil Science & Conservation.

This study, based on a literature review and simulations, shows the efficiency of cover crops at catching nitrate in most situations. It also analyzes both the negative impacts they can have and the ecosystem services they can provide: soil protection against water erosion, carbon sequestration in s...

Table of Contents:

• Foreword
• 1. Study context and methodology
• 1.1. Fallow period: definition, management practices and regulatory aspects
• 1.2. Study objectives and approach
• 2. Main lessons drawn from the study of the literature
• 2.1. Cover crop management techniques
• 2.2. Nitrate and water during fallow periods
• 2.3. Effects of cover crops on erosion, physical soil properties and carbon balance
• 2.4. Biotic effects of cover crops on weeds, microflora and fauna
• 2.5. Conclusion: a rich but incomplete analysis of the literature
• 3. Main lessons drawn from the simulation study
• 3.1. Objectives of the simulation study using a dynamic crop model
• 3.2. Methodology of the three parts of the simulation study
• 3.3. Generic and specific lessons drawn from the simulation study
• 3.4. Discussion of study results
• 4. Conclusions and outlook.