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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some popular cover crop options include forage radishes, field peas, winter rye, crimson clover, and buckwheat. 6. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025 All vineyards and orchards are regeneratively farmed, using natural cover crops that encourage deep rooting, and mitigate erosion. Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Buckwheat is a possible solution to a growing soil crisis: a powerful cover crop that can help improve the soil naturally, leaving it rich, healthy and thriving. Karen Billing, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 Planting cover crops helps prevent erosion and nutrient runoff that ends up in the Mississippi, Clark said. Minnesota Public Radio News, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cover crop

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cover crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover%20crop. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cover crop

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cover crop

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