cover crop
Agricultural term for a crop planted primarily to manage soil erosion, fertility, quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and wildlife in an agroecosystem.
Cover crops help prevent soil erosion.
Farmers often plant rye as a cover crop during winter.
Compound of 被覆 (ひふく, 'covering') and 作物 (さくもつ, 'crop'). The term is a direct translation of the English 'cover crop' and is used in agricultural contexts.