What is a common use of cover crops in agriculture, aside from soil protection?

Cover crops are commonly used in agriculture to enhance soil fertility. This is achieved through several mechanisms. First, many cover crops, such as legumes, have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through their root systems. This nitrogen becomes available to subsequent crops, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving overall soil health.

Additionally, cover crops contribute organic matter to the soil when they decompose, which enhances the soil's nutrient content and supports a thriving microbial community. This boost in soil life can lead to improved nutrient cycling and better overall plant growth in the following crop season.

In contrast, increasing pest populations, reducing soil organic matter, and decreasing crop diversity are not desirable outcomes of good agricultural practices and do not reflect the primary benefits of cover crops.