Dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the semiarid Northern High Plains region of the United States is challenged by inadequate soil organic matter, plant nutrients, and frequent droughts. A single application of a high rate of composted cattle manure (compost) may help to address these issues. To conserve compost-associated benefits and to prevent compost-amended soils from weed infestation, spring planting of cover crops has been recommended. The objective of this study was to evaluate the legacies of a single application of compost (0, 15, 30, and 45 Mg ha-1) and annual cover crop planting in the fallow phase on soil moisture, nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and plant-available phosphorus (AP) 3-7 years after application. Results suggest no synergy between compost and cover crops, but that compost alone can improve soil health. The highest rate of compost showed elevated levels of plant-available N, dissolved organic carbon, and AP in the 0-5 cm and 5-15 cm soil profiles throughout the duration of the study (2018-2022). Soil organic C and total N remained elevated at both soil profile depths when measured in 2019. However, wheat grain yield and protein were not affected by these improvements to soil health at this time. A single application of compost at a rate of 45 Mg ha-1 was sufficient to increase soil health and plant-available nutrients over the 5-year study period but did not increase crop yield. Growing cover crops did not negatively affect crop yield.