The intensification of agriculture and climate change has created a pressing need for practices that maintain productivity while restoring natural resources. Cover cropping and conservation tillage are complementary strategies to bolster soil health, conserve moisture, reduce erosion and enhance farm resilience under variable weather. These practices sequester carbon, recycle nutrients, suppress weeds and stabilize crop yields. By fixing nitrogen or building biomass, diverse cover crops improve fertility, while minimal tillage preserves soil structure. This article reviews global experiences on their effects on yields, water use and soil quality. Key outcomes, including improved yield stability and enhanced infiltration, are discussed along with challenges to adoption and potential solutions. In sum, integrating cover crops with conservation tillage provides a practical pathway to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
