Cover crops can help improve soil health and reduce pollution, but tillage practices may counteract these benefits. A study in Illinois compared different cover crop rotations and tillage methods. Rotations with cereal rye, hairy vetch, and annual ryegrass had the highest spring biomass. Annual ryegrass reduced soil nitrate levels, but only slightly increased soil organic matter. Planting a grass cover crop before a grass cash crop like corn can lower corn yields. Chisel tillage increased corn yields and decreased soil phosphorus levels compared to no-till. Soybean yields were not affected by cover crops or tillage. This study provides valuable insights for managing cover crops and tillage practices in Illinois.