Summer Cover Crop Field Day in Coachella Valley

Vegetable fields are normally left fallow during the summer. This is a common practice especially, in low desert vegetable production systems in southern California.

This can be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes and overall soil health due to extreme summer temperatures burning soil organic matter (SOM) to negligible levels. SOM is where microbes are accommodated to perform important ecosystem services including decompostion and nutrient cycling, and if not conserved can compromise overall soil health.

This cover crop field day will demonstrate the utility of cover crops for managing Soil Health, Nitrogen, and Pest/Diseases. In addition, other ecosystem benefits of cover crops can be shared.