This spreadsheet can be used to examine whether it is beneficial to use a cover crop.  Information needed to examine this decision includes the following: change in crop yields, crop price, cover crop seed cost, planting cost for cover crops, cover crop termination cost, fertilizer savings, and other costs changes such as a change in herbicide costs, or savings associated with soil health.

The addition of cover crops to a farm’s agricultural system can have significant impacts on the bottom line of the business. Despite strong agronomic evidence of the positive impact cover crops have on soil health, farmers are often hesitant to adopt cover crops. Learn more on Cover Crops And Farm Profitability In Central Indiana in our companion research article.