Integrating cover crops into weed management: a meta-analysis of agronomic impacts

Abstract Cover crops (CCs) are widely promoted for their multifunctional roles in sustainable agriculture, including improving soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and suppressing weeds. This meta-analysis quantitatively assessed the effects of CCs on three key outcomes: soil organic carbon (SOC), successor crop yield, and weed biomass, based on data from multiple independent studies. Weighted random-effects models and log response ratios (lnRR) were used to synthesize results. CCs significantly increased SOC (mean lnRR = 0.390), corresponding to an estimated 47.7% gain compared with controls, although substantial heterogeneity was observed ( I 2 = 97%), indicating context-dependent responses across systems. Successor crop yields showed an overall neutral response (mean lnRR = 0.052), with high between-study variability ( I ² = 90.5%), suggesting that positive or negative outcomes depend on site-specific factors. Weed biomass was consistently reduced across all studies (mean lnRR = −1.759), corresponding to an average 82.8% suppression, although variability remained high (I² = 99.2%). Complementary economic analysis indicated that while CCs involve initial establishment costs (∼US$150 ha −1 ), these are often offset by savings in agrochemical use, improved weed and fertility management, and long-term gains in land value. Altogether, the results highlight the potential of CCs as a sustainable agronomic practice, offering multiple ecosystem services and economic co-benefits. Optimizing species selection, management timing, and system integration will be key to maximizing outcomes under diverse agronomic conditions.