cover crop

noun

: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

Examples of cover crop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But some farmers grow over-winter cover crops to improve soil health. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 Cut cover crop plants at the base so roots decompose in place. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 The ground is barely tilled and instead carpeted with cover crops. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 Establishing a cover crop can be challenging during Wisconsin’s short growing season, and some farmers may fear that doing so would negatively impact their cash crop. Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2024 It is colored a vibrant green from dehydrated cover crops mixed into the dough. Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 9 Feb. 2024 Joshi’s meta-analysis focused on cover crops grown in cornfields around the world and found that, on average, cover crops increased carbon stored in the soil by about 7 percent. Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2023 Planting a cover crop is like giving soil a big hug. Dan Vierria, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 Chop down the cover crop into small pieces and work into the soil three to six weeks before planting. Dan Vierria, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cover crop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover crop was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near cover crop

Cite this Entry

“Cover crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover%20crop. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cover crop

noun
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

More from Merriam-Webster on cover crop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!