What does "planting green" refer to in conservation practices?

"Planting green" specifically refers to the practice of planting cash crops directly into living cover crops. This technique allows the cover crop to continue growing while the cash crop is established, offering several benefits for soil health, erosion control, and moisture retention. By leaving the cover crop alive and intact during the planting of the primary cash crop, farmers can improve soil structure and prevent nutrient runoff, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of nutrient management and reducing the need for chemical inputs. This method contributes to better overall ecosystem health and can result in higher yields and improved sustainability.

The other options do not capture the essence of "planting green." For example, planting crops in early spring focuses solely on timing rather than the interaction between cover crops and cash crops. Using genetically modified seeds relates to biotechnology rather than the conservation practice of cover cropping. Planting trees for better air quality, while beneficial for the environment, is not the same as the practice of planting crops into living cover crops. Therefore, the core concept behind "planting green" centers on the integration of cover crops and cash crops for conservation and sustainable agriculture.