Winter grazing is a useful option for farmers who also raise livestock. They can feed them using cover crops they were going to plant anyway, a cost-efficient and sustainable practice. But how does winter grazing impact the soil underneath? Hayley Crowell, researcher at Auburn University, and her team worked to find out.

When a cover crop is planted, it allows living roots in the soil throughout the growing season, improving microbial activity. A global research analysis by the University of Illinois shows that cover cropping can boost soil microbial abundance by 27%.

Soil health specialist James Hoorman shares his top 10 tips for soil health and keys to success when using cover crops.