The purpose of this thesis is to research the cultivation of cover crops in Huittinen in 2015. The topic of this thesis was chosen due to the interest in trying cover crops on the family farm. The aim of this thesis is to gain knowledge about cover crops and to study their impacts in economic farming. The thesis discusses how, when and why cover crops are grown.

There are two parts in this thesis: a theory section and an empirical part. In the theory section of this thesis, cover crops are described in general. The theory part focuses on what cover crops are, how they are grown and on the reasons behind growing them. The focus of this thesis is in the empirical part and the results of a survey, which was sent to farmers in Huittinen. An empirical study was conducted with the help of test fields. Cover crops were tested on the family farm during the year 2015.

The optimal timing for the sowing of cover crops depends on the timing of the main crop’s sowing. The method of sowing is not essential for a successful growing of cover crops, but it may have an impact on how even the growth is.

Based on the study and tests conducted, cover crops do not affect negatively to the yield or for example harvesting. However, cover crops need to be considered in plant protection when choosing the active substance and the amount of it. Cover crops were the most successful when sowing them in connection with the sowing of the main crop. In order to gain successful growth, the sowing of the cover crop should be done a few weeks after sowing the main crop at the latest.