Is Nitrogen Fixation Oversold with Legume Cover Crops?
https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/artic...fixation-oversold-with-legume-cover-crops-dnt
Most folks should be able to meet soil N needs with vetch, crimson clover, white clover, red clover, and/or alfalfa. Seed cost and management intensity generally increases and plant persistence decreases from the first to last on the list. It doesn't hurt anything to experiment with other forage legumes on small areas for persistence sake.
Areas with very long growing seasons may need an interim crop of summer annual legumes to maintain soil N cycle for higher soil/plant productivity over the longer growing season. No matter which forage legume you choose 'managing tall' and for near maturity should be the goal for soil N banking.
Why would one plant a legume only to terminate the growth before maturity, or manage for only young vegetative growth, or not even include legumes with other seeds? Kinda like filling the tank 1/4th full for a long trip.....you will go in the right direction just not as far as you need and at more expense due to down time! The nice thing about legumes....the gas (N2) for their engine is free in the air at about 80% composition of air.....or you can buy gas at the COOP which is not free! One must simply choose the best engine(s) for his program and his environment!
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https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/artic...fixation-oversold-with-legume-cover-crops-dnt
Most folks should be able to meet soil N needs with vetch, crimson clover, white clover, red clover, and/or alfalfa. Seed cost and management intensity generally increases and plant persistence decreases from the first to last on the list. It doesn't hurt anything to experiment with other forage legumes on small areas for persistence sake.
Areas with very long growing seasons may need an interim crop of summer annual legumes to maintain soil N cycle for higher soil/plant productivity over the longer growing season. No matter which forage legume you choose 'managing tall' and for near maturity should be the goal for soil N banking.
Why would one plant a legume only to terminate the growth before maturity, or manage for only young vegetative growth, or not even include legumes with other seeds? Kinda like filling the tank 1/4th full for a long trip.....you will go in the right direction just not as far as you need and at more expense due to down time! The nice thing about legumes....the gas (N2) for their engine is free in the air at about 80% composition of air.....or you can buy gas at the COOP which is not free! One must simply choose the best engine(s) for his program and his environment!
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