Cover Crop Plus
Forecasted
Cover Crop Plus supports Maryland farmers in implementing enhanced cover crop practices to improve biodiversity, manage crop residue, and build healthier soil through sustained conservation work.
Funder: Maryland Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: Contact your local soil conservation district for current enrollment information
Funding Amounts: Higher incentive payments for enhanced cover crop implementation
Summary: Cover Crop Plus supports Maryland farmers implementing enhanced cover crop practices to improve biodiversity, residue management, and soil health.
Key Information: Participants must grow cover crop mixes on the same field for three consecutive years.
Description
Cover Crop Plus is run by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as part of its Ecosystem Incentives Program. It provides higher incentives for enhanced cover crop implementation, with an emphasis on greater biodiversity, improved crop residue management, and healthier soil. The broader Ecosystem Incentives Program supports farmers undertaking conservation practices that promote clean water, healthy soil, and climate solutions.
The program focuses on sustained cover crop management rather than a single season of planting. Participating farmers grow cover crop mixes, maintain a living root system, and manage their cover crops for maximum conservation benefits. Local soil conservation districts provide current enrollment information and free expert help with conservation needs.
