Conservation agriculture, cover crops play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving soil health, increasing organic matter, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. They help retain moisture, prevent erosion, and enhance carbon sequestration, making farming more sustainable in the arid climate.

Himanshu Tiwari

Cover crops play a significant role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions within conservation agriculture, particularly in reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. They improve soil structure by reducing compaction, increasing aeration, and disrupting denitrification processes that lead to N₂O production. Additionally, using nitrogen-fixing legumes can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, further lowering the risk of excessive N₂O emissions. In terms of carbon sequestration, cover crops increase organic matter in the soil, which helps form stable humic acids capable of permanently binding CO₂. The effectiveness of cover crops depends on several factors, including the type of crop, climatic conditions, soil management practices (e.g., minimal tillage), and fertilizer application. For example, legumes are particularly efficient in nitrogen fixation, while deep-rooted plants improve soil structure and increase water infiltration. Ultimately, a combination of these factors determines how much cover crops can contribute to reducing N₂O emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.

Cover crops generally spread along the soil and all over the place. Cover crops with its widespread cover the entire land to restrict water evaporation from soil, roots help soil binding. Being short-cycled plants, they die in a short span contributing organic matter to the soil enriching its nutrient content.