Leaving soil bare is like leaving it unprotected. Covered soil holds more water, keeps nutrients in place, and supports healthier crops. It also helps fight erosion, drought, and weed pressure.
BENEFITS OF SOIL COVERING
- Protects soil from erosion (wind & water)
- Improves soil moisture and reduces drought stress
- Suppresses weeds naturally
- Feeds soil life and improves fertility
- Keeps your fields productive all yea
TWO MAIN WAYS TO COVER SOIL
These are fast-growing plants sown between or after main crops.
Common Options:
- Legumes – add nitrogen
- Grasses – build organic matter
- Brassicas – break up compacted soil
When to Plant:
- During crop cultivation – in between the crop rows
- After harvest (late summer/autumn)
- Between rows in orchards or vineyards
- In fallow fields to keep soil working
How to Manage:
- Sow seeds directly into stubble or lightly till
- Mow or roll before planting the next crop
- Leave roots in soil to decompose and feed microbes
Best Materials:
- Straw or hay
- Grass clippings
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Wood chips (for orchards)
How:
- Lay a 5–10 cm thick layer directly on the soil
- Keep clear around young plant stems (to avoid rot)
- Reapply if mulch breaks down or gets thin
When:
- Around vegetables, trees, and bushes
- In dry seasons or during drought
- On paths or field borders
- Never leave bare soil – even between plantings
- Combine cover crops + mulch for maximum benefit
- Use local materials for low cost and easy access
- Always check mulch for weed seeds or disease
Contact your local agriculture advisory center for:
- Soil health advice
- Info about seed mixes for your region
- Possible subsidies for soil improvement
