“The only truly dependable production technologies are those that are sustainable over the long term. By that very definition, they must avoid erosion, pollution, environmental degradation, and resource waste. Any rational food-production system will emphasize the well-being of the soil-air-water biosphere, the creatures which inhabit it, and the human beings who depend upon it.” -Elliot Coleman
Cover Cropping is one of the best ways to say thank you to your land. You are planting seeds as a gift to your soil.
Cover crops utilize photosynthesis to sequester carbon, fix nitrogen, and produce plant root exudates that feed soil biology. They turn sunlight into food for your soil. The plant residues and roots that they produce are returned to the land as green manure or can be pastured by animals.
Growing a diversity of cover crops will create a diverse environment for beneficial insects to contribute to the soil food web.
Oats act as a beautiful trellis for vining plants like vetch. Sprawling plants like clover protect the surface of the soil and fix nitrogen. Root crops like Daikon Radish break compaction zones and bring oxygen into the soil.
It is all about giving back more than you take.
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