Crop rotations with cover crops can increase soil health and crop yields. A study in southwest Germany showed that including cover crops in crop rotations led to higher soil organic nitrogen and carbon levels. Legume cover crops were particularly effective in enhancing soil health, while non-legume cover crops helped reduce nitrogen leaching. This approach also improved water productivity for cereal crops and increased yields for winter wheat and oilseed rape. However, the benefits varied across different regions, emphasizing the importance of tailoring management practices to specific environmental conditions for sustainable and productive farming systems.