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.
Legumes can even be used as cover crops in the winter to prevent soil erosion and provide a boost to your soil health all winter long. Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025 Boosting Biofuel Research teams led by Jonathan Cumming, chair of the department of natural sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, are field testing the feasibility of switchgrass as a cover crop and biofuel ingredient. Robin Roenker, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Pistachios, on the other hand, never touch the ground, so farmers can plant cover crops and leave organic material behind, reintroducing beneficial nutrients to the soil. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025 Projects funded under the program supported things like planting cover crops, which prevent soil erosion, and managing soil nutrients to minimize farming’s environmental impacts. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 15 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 21 May. 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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