7. Living mulches, Cover-cropping with legumes/deep-rooted plants- nitrogen, carbon, moisture
Living mulches and cover crops help to protect the soil from the drying sun and the pounding rain. They can keep the soil cool and some can help cycle nutrients that would otherwise be locked up in the ground or lost to erosion. Legumes, like peas, beans and clovers, are host to bacteria that collect nitrogen from the air. These can be used in conjunction with your main crops or as a of crop cycling regimen. Deep-rooted plants like some clovers and radishes can help breakup tough clay and rot deep in the ground, adding soil carbon. Some good cover crops include buckwheat, red clover, rye, and hairy vetch. Options for living mulches include nasturtium, white clover and sweet potato vine.