Land benefits better from alfalfa production than row crop, right?

We messed with a little alfalfa down here in the 80's. Wow, we made some phenomenal cotton and corn yields behind it! Fertility levels were high, compaction was low.

Also there is cover year round, less erosion.

At the end of its useful life or your lease, you are returning that land in better shape than when you got it, perhaps.... Is that some of the logic behinid alfalfa bringing less cash rent than corn or beans?

I am just guessing at a lot of this, and I am several states away. I am a "thinking" consultant, but some days and some subjects I am sharper than others! Laugh away if you want!