Cover Crop Selection Guide
This Cover Crop Selection Guide helps growers choose cover crops that match your goals and cropping system. Fill it in by hand and keep it with your farm records for later seasons.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideCrops & AgronomyFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Define the goal: erosion, weeds, nitrogen or forage
- Note the main crop before and after
- Pick species that fit your planting window
- Check winter hardiness for your area
- Plan seeding method and timing
- Plan termination method and date
- Check herbicide carryover concerns
- Record results and cost
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and SARE.
For more in this area, see the crop planting calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including International Crop Expo, and farming farm stories.