New Guidance Released to Help California Growers Maximize Water Benefits of Cover Crops

farms.com
Sustainable Conservation and the California Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), along with UC ANR and other partners, have released a new guidance document  Cover Cropping in California’s Water Scarce Environments  to help growers harness the many benefits of cool-season cover crops while reducing water use. As farmers adapt to a changing water supply, this guide provides practical considerations about cover crop species, timing, and management to reduce runoff, increase infiltration and water retention, and bolster overall soil health.

This guidance is part of ongoing collaborative efforts across the agricultural, research, and conservation communities to help California growers meet the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. It builds on findings from the 2024 Cover Cropping in the SGMA Era report, which connects the importance of effectively integrating water-smart, multi-benefit practices with groundwater sustainability planning.

Read the full article at farms.com