When to sow vetch as green manure, for which crops and how to use it, cultivation

Green manure crops are beneficial plants that improve soil fertility. These crops are grown to produce green mass, which has a beneficial effect on the soil. Vetch is considered an excellent green manure crop. It is characterized by long roots and the ability to extract nutrients from deep within the soil. To ensure successful cultivation, it is important to adhere to basic agricultural practices.

Advantages and disadvantages of green manure

Vetch is a herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family. This crop is widely grown and is known for its undemanding growing conditions. Many beekeepers use vetch to attract bees.

The plant is also considered a valuable green manure crop, suitable for use in greenhouses and open fields. Its advantages include early maturity. It can be harvested when other plants are just beginning to develop. Other advantages of green manure include the following:

• saturation of soil with macroelements;
• restoration of soil structure;
• retaining moisture in the soil and increasing air permeability;
• making the soil light and loose;
• stopping the spread of weeds;
• ease of cultivation.

Furthermore, vetch can be used as a nutritious livestock feed. Furthermore, scientists claim that some vegetable crops significantly improve their germination when planted after spring vetch. Winter green manure varieties also have a beneficial effect on soil health.

However, the culture also has some disadvantages:

• demanding soil composition;
• need for a large amount of moisture.

Predecessor cultures

Green manure combines well with any crops, with the exception of members of the legume family. It can be preceded by rye, wheat, and other grains. Vetch can also be planted after potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. It can also act as a precursor for these crops.

When and how to plant correctly

When sowing green manure, it's important to choose the right timing. When doing so, consider the following:

• climatic features of the region;
• weather conditions at the time of landing;
• purpose of the site.

When choosing planting dates, it is recommended to take into account the crop variety:

1. Spring grass should be planted immediately after the snow melts. It's important that the average temperature is at least 5°C (41°F). 1,500 grams of seed are required per 100 square meters (100 sq. m). It's recommended to plant the seed 4-7 centimeters deep. In sandy loam soil, the seeds can be planted deeper than in clay soil.
2. Winter vetch produces fewer greens, but is considered less fussy. When combined with other plants, it can survive short-term drops in temperature.

Since vetch is a creeping crop, it should be planted alongside other green manures. It's recommended to choose upright varieties, as their stems will act as support for the vetch. Green manure combines well with rye, oats, and cruciferous plants. It can also be combined with other legumes.

A combination with oats is considered an excellent option. Oats contain a lot of phosphorus and potassium, while vetch is rich in nitrogen. This combination of plants creates a comprehensive organic fertilizer for the soil.

Care Features

Vetch doesn't require any special care during cultivation. However, during drought, the area will need frequent and generous watering. Otherwise, the green manure stems will become too coarse and the leaves will wilt. When growing vetch in poor soil, it should be fed twice a season with phosphorus and potassium. This will help ensure lush and lush foliage.

When to mow

Vetch can be mown as early as 30-40 days after planting the seeds. By this time, the seedlings reach a height of 15-20 centimeters. At this point, their leaves and shoots accumulate a large amount of beneficial elements. It's crucial to harvest the greenery during budding, as flowering draws valuable elements from the grass.

When mowing a plant, you should use the following methods:

1. Mow the grass and chop the greenery with a spade. Then compost it or use it as mulch between the rows.
2. Trim the plants with a flat-cutting hoe, chop them up, and plough them into the soil. It's recommended to do this to a depth of 6-10 centimeters. This procedure is performed 15 days before planting seedlings or 20 days before planting seeds of cultivated plants.
3. When planting winter vetch mixed with oats, leave it standing as a living mulch. With the onset of cold weather, the oats will settle and cover the vetch. In the spring, the green manure will begin to grow again. By the time the main crops are planted, the vetch will have produced a large amount of high-quality green foliage.

To stimulate the conversion of mown green matter into valuable fertilizer, it should be watered with a solution of any EM product. Products such as "Siyanie," "Baikal," and "Stimulin" are acceptable for this purpose. Since the microorganisms involved in composting can only function in a humid environment, the biomass should be watered periodically. Warm water is recommended.

What crops are not planted after it?

It is not recommended to combine Vika with the following plants:

• beans;
• peas;
• beet;
• garlic.

It is not recommended to plant these crops in fields previously occupied by vetch. The plants share the same diseases and are susceptible to the same pests. Therefore, there is a risk of serious problems when growing the crops.

Vetch is considered a valuable green manure crop, which improves soil structure and helps significantly increase crop yields. To achieve the desired results, it's important to strictly adhere to planting guidelines and provide high-quality care for the green manure.