Incorporating cover crops (or green manures) into the soil management regimen is an integral part of organic gardening and farming. It is also one of the easiest and most economical ways to improve soil fertility and structure. Cover crops provide, among other things, organic matter for soil dwelling microorganisms to break down, consequently releasing nutrients into the soil in a form that is usable by plants. This process is called nutrient cycling and it affects both the physical and chemical properties of the soil.
