Published January 1993. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Cover crop selection and management depend on many factors, among them the cover crop’s ability to accumulate dry matter (i.e., residues) and nitrogen (N). Dry matter provides energy for soil organisms, contributes to soil organic matter, improves tilth, and acts as a sink for nutrients.