<![CDATA[Abstract. Dryland areas hold considerable potential to be developed as alternative sites for production of food crops, including upland rice. However, the productivity of dryland is generally low due to its limited water availability, low nutrient content, and high risks of erosion and pest problems for the crops, especially weed problem. To address these challenges, the use of cover crops is a relevant strategy. Peppermint (Mentha sp.) is a promising candidate as a cover crop due to its spreading growth habit, dense root system, and their active aromatic compounds contents. This literature review aims to explore the potential of peppermint in improving crop growth and yield in dryland farming systems, especially as cover crops. Findings indicate that peppermint can improve soil structure, increase soil moisture retention and water infiltration, and contribute organic matter through biomass they produce. Moreover, its allelopathic properties help suppress weeds, while its essential oils—particularly menthol—act as repellents against insect pests and rodents. Integrating peppermint as a living mulch also offers economic value if cultivated as an aromatic or medicinal crop. Therefore, peppermint shows a great potential to support more productive, and environmentally friendly dryland agriculture systems in a sustainable manner. Abstrak. Lahan kering memiliki potensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai alternatif lahan budidaya tanaman pangan seperti padi gogo. Namun, produktivitas lahan kering cenderung rendah akibat keterbatasan air, hara, serta tingginya risiko erosi dan gangguan organisme pengganggu, terutama gulma. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, penggunaan tanaman penutup tanah (cover crop) dapat menjadi strategi yang relevan. Peppermint (Mentha sp.) merupakan salah satu jenis tanaman yang berpotensi digunakan sebagai penutup tanah (cover crop) karena memiliki pertumbuhan merambat, sistem perakaran padat, dan kandungan senyawa aromatik aktif. Telaah pustaka ini bertujuan mengkaji potensi peppermint dalam meningkatkan hasil tanaman di lahan kering. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa peppermint dapat memperbaiki struktur tanah, meningkatkan kelembaban dan infiltrasi air, serta menambah bahan organik melalui biomassa. Selain itu, peppermint bersifat alelopatik sehingga dapat menekan persaingan gulma, serta mengandung minyak atsiri seperti menthol yang efektif menolak serangga hama dan tikus. Penggunaan peppermint sebagai mulsa hidup di sela-sela tanaman utama juga berpotensi memberikan nilai ekonomi tambahan jika dibudidayakan sebagai tanaman aromatik. Oleh karena itu, peppermint dinilai potensial untuk mendukung pertanian lahan kering yang produktif dan berkelanjutan.]]>
