A crop grown specifically to improve soil by adding organic matter, increasing nutrient availability, and supporting long-term soil health.
Unlike crops grown for harvest, green manure crops are planted for the benefit of the soil. They are typically grown during periods when garden beds would otherwise remain bare.
Many green manure crops produce large amounts of plant material that enriches the soil when cut down or incorporated into the ground. Some, particularly legumes, are also nitrogen-fixing plants that help add nitrogen to the soil.
Green manure crops improve soil structure, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and provide food for beneficial soil organisms.
Green manure is one of the most effective ways to build soil fertility naturally. By protecting and enriching the soil between growing seasons, green manure helps reduce nutrient loss and supports healthier crops in future plantings.