Factors studied

Positive effects

Negative effects

- Need for a good knowledge of the plots on their ability to accommodate cover and good knowledge of the characteristics of weeds and cover plants.

- Possible need for additional interventions during the installation phase of the selected cover.

- Fewer herbicide purchases.

- Investment in material for the penning of the animals if necessary.

- Purchase of seeds or cuttings if establishing cover plants.

- Purchase of specific material to accompany cutlery.

- Enrichment of the soil with organic matter and nitrogen if a cover of legumes is introduced.

- Limitation of egg-laying or refuge sites for pests depending on the nature of the cover crop.

- Limitation of the risk of phytotoxicity on cash crops.

- Improved soil fertility.

- Limitation of erosion.

- Disruption of nesting or refuge sites for auxiliaries in the case of mechanized management.

- Less herbicide residues.

- Promoting biodiversity.

- Invasive risk if poor management, especially for perennial legumes.

- Decrease if animals graze.

- Increase if weeding is managed mechanically.