Cover crops can be used for different reasons, such as to provide soil erosion protection, alleviate compaction, control weeds, fix atmospheric nitrogen for the next crop, harvest for hay, and as a grazing resource. The reason for using a cover crop will determine which species or mixture of species you choose, as well as how you manage it.

Kevin Shelley, from the University of Wisconsin’s Nutrient and Pest Management Program, tours multiple cover crop demonstration plots and provides a fundamental overview of crop benefits, with growth expectations, timing, challenges and costs.

Ever wonder what cows are doing when we're not looking? Watch this cow's-eye-view of cows exploring and chowing down on a cover crop. Cover crops are an exceptional farming tool to build soil health, stop erosion and retain soil moisture. As it turns out, cows are very fond of covers, too.

Trap crops are used to absorb nitrogen from the no-till soil. If the cover crop is not grazed or harvested, the N taken up by the crop remains on-site and is preserved within the residue for use by future crops.