At Aliabaad Farm, we’re ready for spring-time! As of now, our fields are bedded for winter: we’ve turned the soil, laid fertilizer and broadcasted our cover-crop. Come spring, we can expect a soft, loamy top soil stocked full of nutrients. We cover-crop in late fall for many reasons – most importantly for the health of our soil and for the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Cover-crop helps protect otherwise exposed fields from erosion and compaction during harsh winter weather. No crop does a better job of this than rye. It is cold weather hardy and its roots grow deep into the soil. These roots act like the springs in your mattress - they help the soil retain its shape while providing support to keep it soft and arable. In addition, these roots are able to plunge into the furthest reserves of nitrogen in the soil, preserving this precious element for spring produce.
For the Chesapeake Bay, soil retention means less run-off and pollution. Without cover-crop, winter weather run-off would send many thousand tons of polluting materials into the Bay from all over Maryland via the Potomac River and its tributaries. However, with the use of cover-crop, the majority of run-off is prevented, ensuring the health of our fields (and your food) and the Chesapeake. CSA members are welcome to visit the farm to see in-person how this process works. For inquiries, call (301) 980-3319, email ali@satways.com or visit our website!
by: Wesley Watkins
