In this June 11, 2025 article, researchers at NC State have created a new decision-making model to help farmers determine when planting cover crops makes the most economic sense. Using 35 years of data from a cotton farm in West Tennessee, the model considers local conditions like soil health, fertilizer costs, and crop prices to assess long-term profitability. Findings suggest cover crops are most beneficial on no-till fields with healthy soil, especially when fertilizer prices are high. While adoption remains low nationally, the study highlights how cover crops can gradually reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer and improve farm sustainability over time.

No-till farming, considered to be a more environmentally friendly farming practice that reduces soil disturbance when compared with conventional practices, appears to have an important benefit besides reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff.