Why should cover crops be used?
Before nitrogen fertilizers were available, cover crops were used much more frequently. Agricultural practices involving intensive tilling and/or fallow periods can contribute large amounts of sediments and nutrients carried in runoff to adjacent surface waters (Vought et al. 1995). Pollutants from poor agricultural practices have contributed largely to the degradation of surface waters in many of the nation’s most important watersheds. Hawaii is currently facing a constant threat to its surface and coastal waters from pollutants carried in agricultural runoff. Sediment loading of streams and bays is a major concern along many of the coastlines of the Hawaiian Islands . Sedimentation of Hawaii ‘s coastal reefs, has threatened fish populations in addition to historical cultural practices based on a healthy coastal ecosystem. Cover crops are needed to protect the health of Hawaii ‘s watersheds, and to ensure that agriculture’s place as an economically and socially vital element is not ad
