Cover Crops - Series II

Dear Colleagues,

Modern intensive farming based on high fertilizer rate and agrochemical applications may severely impact the sustainability of cropping systems with increasing problems of reduced soil fertility, loss of biodiversity, soil compaction, and soil erosion. Cover crops could be considered any plant species that are cultivated in the period between two main cash crops, with the main aim to protect soil and support the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. The benefits provided by cover crop cultivation are different and vary depending on the farmers’ objectives. Although cover crops are becoming more accepted by farmers, who are encouraged by the environmental and ecological benefits, many still perceive them to be expensive and complicated in terms of implementing cover crops with agricultural practices.

Therefore, there is a growing need of knowledge regarding their establishment, management, benefits, and utility in different agro-ecosystems.

The main objective of this Special Issue is to collect original research papers or reviews that report on the benefits obtained from the adoption of cover crop and that address the practical problems derived from their utilization under different agro-environmental conditions. To achieve this goal, the submission of relevant articles is welcome and encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Roberto Mancinelli
Dr. Sara Marinari
Dr. Emanuele Radicetti
Guest Editors

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