Can Short-Term Summer Cover Crops Transform Your Farm's Water Management?

With hot, dry days dominating much of the UK and some combines already rolling across the South and East before the end of June, many fields will be cleared earlier than usual and moisture is scarce.

Managing water effectively is a challenge many of us face on farm. Heavy rainfall, droughts and poor soil structure can all lead to issues like soil erosion, waterlogging and declining water quality. But there is a way to protect your soil and waterways while setting your fields up for long-term success and helping to control weeds - enter short-term summer cover crops, or catch crops.

Catch and cover crop establishment in dry conditions

Checking for moisture in the soil profile before establishment is crucial - even if the surface is dry, there may be enough below to support germination and growth. To conserve what moisture is present, aim to minimise soil disturbance; direct drilling is generally more effective than broadcasting in dry conditions, unless you're sowing into a standing crop and into moisture, or there is sufficient rain in the forecast.

With longer daylight hours in summer, quick establishment is possible if moisture is available. With larger catch crop biomass (above, but most crucially below ground) playing a big role in its success in terms of delivering benefits to the rest of the rotation, it is very tempting to drill as soon as the previous crop is out of the way. However, if the soil is simply too dry at any suitable depth, it may be better to delay drilling and consider a more drought-tolerant mix - for example, buckwheat performs well in dry conditions and can be sown later, though it's not suited to systems where grazing will be used for termination. Under the SFI SOH3 option, summer cover crops must be in place long enough to deliver the intended aims (leafy cover, minimal bare ground, and a visible contribution to soil protection), but there’s still time, provided you use a mix of at least four fast-growing species - we can help with the selection of those most suitable for your situation.

Cover crops boosting water retention in soil

Provided the summer cover crop establishes well, it can be effective at both retaining moisture for the following crop and building soil organic matter for the longer term. Each 1% increase in soil organic matter can help soil hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre (according to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service). Not to mention that building carbon in the soil can lead to real financial prospects for UK farmers.

We have seen tangible differences is soil structure after a short-term summer cover crop. Just a few weeks of growth can significantly improve the soil's Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) scores, with soils becoming easier to work, better drained and more resilient to compaction. Doing a VESS score in your field before and after a catch crop can be a powerful reminder that even a brief cover crop window can yield lasting gains.

Reducing soil erosion and runoff through catch cropping

Erosion can strip fields of their most fertile topsoil, affecting yields, reducing soil organic carbon and leaving bare ground more prone to further degradation. Summer cover crops provide a protective layer that reduces the risk of erosion, should the rains come.

By anchoring the soil with their roots, catch crops slow down water movement, preventing runoff that can carry away both soil and nutrients, causing sediment pollution in nearby rivers and streams.

Taking small steps for big returns

Starting with cover and catch crops doesn’t have to be daunting or risky. With the right support and advice, you will have the best species combination for your situation and timing, and trialling them on less demanding fields can be a good way to start, especially if you take the time to measure improvements. The results often speak for themselves, inspiring further adoption.

Although disease levels are relatively low, thinner crops in some regions and late germinating weeds have also led to increased weed pressure. Summer catch crops can be an effective way of helping to clean up the field and enter into a stale seedbed, ready for the next crop.

By identifying your farm’s specific needs and choosing the right cover crop, you can implement simple changes that yield significant results.

Call our experts on 01480 890686 to discuss.