Evaluating Cover Crops for Soil Conservation and Food Security in High Tunnel Sweet Potato Production

Cover cropping has been demonstrated as a viable solution to mitigate soil challenges and improve subsequent crop yield, particularly in open-field conditions. However, their impact in high tunnels remains relatively unknown. This study assessed the short-term effect of single and mixed species of cover crops on selected soil properties, nutrient concentration and yield of sweet potatoes in high tunnels at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff research farm. using a randomized complete block design and two over crops; Crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum ), winter barley ( Hordeum vulgare) , and no-cover crop (control). The results indicated that single and mixed cover crops had no significant (P ˃ 0.05) effect on macronutrients and yield of sweet potatoes. However, soil microbial activity and micronutrient concentration in sweet potato leaves were significantly increased by use of winter barley. The combination of species of winter barley and crimson clover showed the highest microbial biomass (56.01 nmoles/g) compared to other study treatments despite the effects not being statistically significant. Therefore, the decision to incorporate cover crops in high tunnel cultivation should be decided judiciously. A long-term study is needed to draw more conclusive findings.