Cover crops are a safe bet for the second crop

During Showtec 2025, an agricultural technology event held in Mato Grosso do Sul, researcher Rodrigo Arroyo Garcia, from Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste (Dourados, MS), presented the advances and benefits of the consortium between legumes and grasses in the agricultural production system. The proposal aims to combine high biomass production with straw quality, an essential element for the success of the No-Till System.

“Grasses are the main players in generating large volumes of dry matter, both in the aerial part and in the roots, which directly contributes to improving the soil. But legumes add quality to this biomass, with benefits such as biological nitrogen fixation and nematode control,” explains Garcia.

Among the most prominent legumes are crotalaria (especially Crotalaria ochroleuca and C. juncea) and pigeon pea, including its dwarf version. These species, when combined with grasses such as Brachiaria ruziziensis, B. brizantha (cv. Xaraés, Piatã), or even with panicums such as aruana grass, result in a consortium with high potential for soil cover, biological control and animal feed.

Opportunity during the off-season

The researcher's recommendation is that producers use part of the second-crop area in Mato Grosso do Sul to grow these cover crops, especially from the end of February, when climate risks increase and the productive potential of corn decreases.

“The cost of second-crop corn is high and the risks are greater at this time. Therefore, leaving 20% ​​to 25% of the area for cover crops is a smart strategy. In a few years, the producer can turn the entire area and improve the soil, the system as a whole and also enhance the soybean crop that comes next”, advises the researcher.

According to Garcia, in fallow areas during the second crop in the state, especially in sandy soils or in regions with less history of agricultural use, the use of cover crops is a viable, economical and low-risk alternative.

Integration with livestock

The consortium can also be integrated into livestock farming, as long as the legumes chosen are not toxic to the animals. “Species such as Crotalaria spectabilis and C. breviflora are toxic and cannot be grazed. However, C. ochroleuca and C. juncea are safe and also improve cattle feed, providing protein and contributing to weight gain,” the researcher emphasizes.

Expanding research

Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste has been conducting research in this area since 2016. The work involves the development of species combinations, management strategies, implementation methods and solutions for technical challenges, such as the control of weeds and volunteer soybeans.

“The private sector has also made progress in this area, offering cover crop mixes that combine three or four species. The logic is the same: diversify and explore synergies between plants with complementary characteristics to strengthen the production system,” concludes the researcher.