Utilisation of cover crops: implications for conservation agriculture systems in a mediterranean climate region of South Africa

Cover crops can provide multiple agroecosystem services to produced in conservation agriculture systems. South African grain producers the Mediterranean climate region are reluctant integrate cover rainfed systems since replace cash leading financial losses. Using as fodder help input costs, while providing a range of advantageous cropping system. The aim this study was investigate how crop mixtures and utilisation affect soil quality, quality quantity mulch well wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) subsequent year. A two-year conducted Western Cape Province Africa. In Year 1, diverse legume cereal-based were partially grazed, cut material removed for haymaking, or left unutilised mulch. 2, spring planted effects method on yield. used hay grazing did not (P < 0.05) yield that followed rotation. Legume-based increased protein content regardless method. Soil nitrogen improved when grazed. be by an important agronomic tactic improve system productivity support sustainable intensification