Tools & Resources

Species Selection

Species Impacts

Each type of cover crop species impacts soil health and agronomic systems in certain ways to address specific management goals.

Tractor planting cover crops
Farmers choosing cover crops species

Choosing the Right Cover Crops

Select cover crop species based on the goals for a given field. Those goals will point toward categories of cover crops described above. Then, a variety of other factors will help identify specific species that fit best. Factors like frost date, seed budget, cash crop rotation, seeding method and others highlighted in these resources all help identify the best cover crop option for each field.

To help you select the right cover crops we recommend using the Southern Cover Crop Council Selector Tool.

Related Resources

Farmer observing cereal rye crop

Cereal Rye

A cool-season grain, cereal rye is the most commonly seeded cover crop species, used either alone or in mixes. It can be seeded in a variety of ways, making it an ideal option for cover crop beginners. In crop rotations, it fits well following corn, before soybeans, as it scavenges nitrogen in the fall and adds biomass in the spring that can suppress weeds.

Farmer examines cover crop roots

Types of Species

Browse some of the commonly used cover crop species. The Expert’s Guide to Cover Crops article and the Cover Crop Chart offer starting points. Then, dig deeper into the most intriguing and promising options below to decide what to seed in your fields to work toward your goals.

Related Resources

Farmer examines a brassica cover crop

Brassicas

Brassicas feature large taproots that ease soil compaction, penetrate soil layers and influence water drainage. They scavenge nutrients, support grazing and winterkill for termination. Many species also release compounds that can be toxic to other pests as they break down, supporting integrated pest management. The following detailed information about specific species can help determine if they fit in your fields.

Grass cover crop suppressing weeds

Grasses

Grasses and small cereal grains establish easily through most any seeding method. Their fibrous roots prevent erosion, promote water infiltration and scavenge nitrogen. The biomass they produce increases soil organic matter. And their above-ground growth can suppress weeds in the following crop. Check out specifics to learn how to put them to work in your cover crops.

  • This winter annual is a cross between wheat and cereal rye. It supports nutrient cycling and storing carbon, and it is used more in cover crop mixes than on its own.

    Article

    Triticale

    Article

    Triticale: A Useful Component of a Cover Crop

  • Winter wheat can serve as an easy-to-terminate grass cover crop. It prevents soil erosion, scavenges nutrients and supports grazing. It also offers the unique option of being harvested as a cash crop. However, consider how that would impact participation in cover crop programs.

    White Paper

    Winter Wheat

    Fact Sheet

    Wheat as a Cover Crop

    Video

    Using Wheat as a Cover Crop

Legumes

Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil. Their flowers often attract beneficial insects, while their roots hold soil in place to reduce erosion. They produce biomass that increases organic matter. Plus, some species can also break pest cycles. Learn more about each species category below.

Legume cover crop
  • Options like field peas, also called Austrian winter peas, can grow as a winter or summer annual, depending on latitude and growing season length, though they usually winterkill. They provide forage, fix nitrogen and suppress weeds.

    White Paper

    Field Peas

    Article

    Austrian Winter Peas