Cover crop initiative launches in Lower Rio Grande

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission have partnered on a cover crop initiative in the Lower Rio Grande valley, advancing long-term efforts to conserve groundwater while improving soil health.

Starting summer 2024, NMDA and the NMISC partnered with Caballo Soil and Water Conservation District and Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District to offer cover crop seeds to agricultural producers in the Lower Rio Grande.

With support from NMDA’s Healthy Soil Program, local farmers used cover crops to protect soil while fallowing land to conserve groundwater. Though fallowing has tradeoffs, this program demonstrated that cover crops can help restore nutrients, improve structure and retain moisture.