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Organic Vetch (Vicia sativa)

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Vetch (Vicia sativa) is a short lived nitrogen fixing legume that competes well with weeds by forming a dense canopy quickly. Important green manure and fodder crop. More details below.

Sow Months: Mar-Sept. For late sowings Winter or Hairy Vetch may be better.
Field Rate: 75-100kg/ha (Depending on objective)
Horticulture Rate: 1kg covers 100m²
ACRES Catch Crop: 15kg/ha
Organic Vetch Vicia Sativa

 

Organic Vetch Seed (Vicia sativa)

  • N-fixer.
  • Produces a lot of bulky foliage that suppresses weeds.
  • Will add organic matter and improves the texture of the soil.
  • Grows best with a support plant - e.g. Phacelia, Sunflower, Westerwolds or Rye. 
  • Will attract bees if allowed to flower. 
  • Crop residues are succulent and decompose quickly.
  • Best not to top as it does not recover well from cutting.
  • Allelopathic effect - be careful if planning on direct sowing crops after incorporation.

How to sow green manures:

  • Prepare a reasonable seed bed.
  • Broadcast you seeds.
  • If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed.
  • Rake in and water if soil is dry.
More Information
Persistence 1 Year (Winter Hardy)
Single Variety or Mix Single Variety
Special Features Nitrogen Fixing, Suitable for Grazing, ACRES Scheme
Brassicas No
Grasses No
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