Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Mădălin RADU, Mihai GÎDEA
Cover crops are an essential agroecological practice for sustainable agriculture, with multiple beneficial effects on soil, biodiversity and productivity. An integrative analysis of 59 international and national studies shows that they contribute to improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, reducing nutrient losses and increasing the resilience of agroecosystems. From a physical point of view, green crops increase water infiltration rates by up to 35% and reduce soil bulk density by 6-9%. Chemically, replacing fallow land with green crops reduces nitrate leaching by 45–83%, sometimes equivalent to a reduction of 40-80 kg N ha⁻¹ in mineral fertilisation. Biologically, they increase microbial biomass by 20-25% and fungal diversity by 15%, stimulating enzymatic activity and nutrient recycling. A major aspect is carbon sequestration, with average increases of 0.3-0.5 Mg C ha-1 year-1, visible especially after 3-5 years of application. Thus, green crops contribute to climate change mitigation and long-term fertility maintenance. In addition, grasses (e.g. rye, oats) are effective for nitrate capture and soil protection, legumes (e.g. clover, vetch) for nitrogen supply, and cruciferous plants (e.g. mustard, radish) for biofumigation and decompaction.The effects on biodiversity and weed control are significant, reducing infestations by 30-45%. In contrast, under optimal conditions, cover crops stabilise yields and reduce costs by decreasing chemical inputs, generating net economic benefits of €60–120/ha. Cost constraints and competition for resources can be overcome by choosing the right species and integrating them into agricultural support policies (e.g. CAP eco-schemes). Their widespread adoption can make a decisive contribution to the transition to more resilient, efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture.
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