How Old Tavern Farm improves its soil with cover crops
By Matt SabasPosted March 25, 2025
John Bryant, owner of Old Tavern Farm in New Kent County, Virginia is dedicated to sustainable farming. His 40-acre vegetable, fruit and hog operation’s innovative use of agricultural best management practices earned him a Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Award in 2023.
Bryant’s participation in the Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share (VACS) Program and close collaboration with the Colonial Soil and Water District enabled him to institute nutrient management, cover cropping and no-till practices with the goal of improving soil health on his farm while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Benefits of cover crops
Old Tavern Farm’s exceptional use of cover crops is particularly notable, utilizing a blend of three to five crops that each serve a different purpose. For example, fall sown cover crop including rye, vetch, crimson clover and white clover allow for rapid cool season ground cover and increased nitrogen fixation while the white clover increases the crop’s lifespan further into the spring.
“I think everyone associates the primary goal of cover crops with holding the soil in place to prevent wind and water erosion of our soil, but all of those cover crops have specific nutrient benefits and organic matter benefits, and there's a different balance, which is why we utilize different cover crops and different blends,” said Bryant.
A cover cropping system can enhance sustainability by playing a vital role in improving soil health while reducing the impact on the environment. Covering the soil between planting seasons reduces sediment and nutrient runoff and prevents pollution from entering the water table. Cover crops enhance soil structure by increasing organic matter, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Many cover crops also out compete weeds, limiting the need for herbicides.
Implementing cover crops can also lead to significant financial savings for farmers. Limiting the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides reduces input costs over time, while their ability to prevent erosion and retain moisture can boost crop yields. Healthier soil reduces the likelihood of crop failures. In Virginia, farmers implementing a cover crop system can reduce start up costs by participating in the VACS program.
Contact your Soil and Water Conservation District
For guidance on which cover crops and conservation practices best fit your farm’s needs, and to identify other programs for which you might be eligible, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/swcds.
Colonial Soil and Water District contributed to this post.
Categories
Soil and Water Conservation
Tags
nutrient management
Department of Conservation and Recreation
