Cover Crops and Soil Health for Alberta Farmers

Soil health is a hot topic for Alberta farmers. Increasingly, producers use cover crops – plants grown between main crops – to protect soil and improve moisture. According to the Alberta Seed Guide, “Interest in cover crops is growing in Alberta as farmers look for ways to save their soil”.

Cover crops (like clover, peas or oats) can reduce erosion, fix nitrogen, and help capture snow or rain. They leave living roots in the ground, which “help with water infiltration by holding more water in place” and thus mitigate drought effects. For example, after harvest, many local farmers grow barley or other cover mixes to hold soil over winter. 

Cover Crops Alberta Farmers Should Know 

Cereals

Cereals such as fall rye, oats and barley are among the most widely used. They establish quickly, tolerate cooler temperatures and create strong root systems that help reduce erosion and suppress weeds. Fall rye, in particular, is valued for winter hardiness and early spring growth. 

Legume

Legume cover crops play a key role in nitrogen fixing. Peas, clovers and vetch are popular choices because they add organic nitrogen to the soil while improving microbial activity. In mixed systems, they are often blended with cereals to balance biomass and nutrient cycling. 

Brassicas

These include radish, turnip and mustard, and are gaining traction for their ability to break up compacted soil. Radish, with its deep taproot, is especially effective in hard or dry soils where improving water infiltration is a priority. 

Many Alberta farms also plant multi-species blends, which improve resilience by combining different rooting depths, growth habits and nutrient functions. Whether used after cereals, ahead of canola or as part of a livestock-integrated system, cover crops help build healthier, more resilient soils across Alberta’s diverse growing regions. 

Erosion Control 

In windy southern Alberta, cover crop roots hold topsoil in place. Fields left fallow or left after cereal harvest can lose soil to wind erosion. A living cover helps stop that, protecting soil and nutrients. 

Water Retention 

Cover crops improve soil structure, allowing more rain or snow to be absorbed. This means fields recharge better in spring. With climate change intensifying Prairie droughts, having extra soil moisture can be crucial. 

Nutrient Cycling 

Certain cover crops (like legumes) naturally add nitrogen. Others help scavenge leftover fertilizer or prevent weed growth. This can reduce the need for chemical inputs next season. 

Equipment and Timing 

Planting cover crops requires planning. Options include broadcasting seed after harvest or using specialized drills. Future Ag sells Bourgault air seeders and Kubota drills ideal for seeding cover mixes. Incorporating covers costs extra seed (often $20–$40/acre), but many farmers see long-term benefits to yield and soil. 

To make cover cropping work, start small. Focus on fields with erosion issues or poor moisture. Work with a crop advisor to choose the right species and planting date. Future Ag’s local experts can recommend equipment (like a broadcast spreader or coulter drill) to establish covers quickly. By including cover crops in your rotation, Alberta farmers improve soil resilience – a smart ag trend that pays off year after year.