Autumn cover crop trial - Tasmania
The potential for cover crops to provide protection from erosion is multifaceted.
Above ground they reduce raindrop impact (and this increases with increasing plant height). Below ground the roots bind the soil, reducing the potential for erosion, while also creating pathways for more water to soak into the soil, which also decreases run-off.
In this multisite trial in North West Tasmania, seasonal cover crops were used to protect bare fallow autumn and winter soils from erosion.
You can also read a previous fact sheet which discussed potential water management techniques you can use after your cash crop is established.