This edited volume presents an interdisciplinary examination of the role of cover crops in enhancing soil protection and agroecosystem resilience. It discusses how regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming reduce synthetic input dependency and enhance ecosystem services. Addressing global challenges such as soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and climate-induced land degradation, this book also explores how cover cropping systems contribute to soil health, carbon sequestration, water conservation, and ecological pest control. Chapters cover root system architecture, biological indicators, nutrient mobilization and economic performance, alongside policy frameworks and market opportunities for cover crop-derived products. Special attention is given to region-specific species selection, breeding innovations, and practical nutrient budgeting.

Designed for researchers, extension professionals, and policymakers, the volume bridges scientific research with on-farm applications. Graduate students and educators in the field of soil science, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture will find the book a useful resource.

Dr. Devideen Yadav was a Visiting Scientist at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, under the Water Advanced Research and Innovation (WARI) Fellowship. He is currently a Scientist at the Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and three books. His research spans the development of sustainable cropping systems for soil and water conservation, soil quality enhancement, and sustainable agriculture. He is a member of the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) and previously held a one-year membership in the American Society of Agronomy (ASA).

Dr. Bijesh Maharjan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. He holds a Ph.D. in Land and Atmospheric Science, Soil Science track, from the University of Minnesota (2013). His research focuses on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and precision nutrient management in irrigated and dryland systems. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Quality and the Agronomy Journal. Dr. Maharjan has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles. He is the recipient of the Dr. Ray and Jolene Ward Professor of Soil Health Science from UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in recognition of outstanding contributions to soil health research and extension.

Dr. Subhash Babu is a Senior Scientist at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, specializing in developing sustainable cropping systems, Integrated Farming systems, organic farming, and carbon-efficient production systems. He earned his Ph.D. in agronomy from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India. His research includes diversified cropping for Himalayan ecosystems, organic nutrient management protocols for Sikkim, and carbon dynamics in conservation tillage systems and agroforestry. Dr. Babu has published over 200 research papers, nine books, and numerous technical manuals. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), Associate Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Sciences (INSA), member of the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS), and the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).