Hairy vetch is one of the best N producing, winter hardy legumes used in the cover crop industry. A well-nodulated hairy vetch can enrich the soil with 60 to 120 lb of nitrogen through fixation. Once the crop is established in the spring, it is a good weed suppressor. Due to the taproots, it provides great soil building characteristics. The ability to grow vigorously stems from the flexibility to survive in low fertility soils. Due to its ability to survive in many soil types and conditions, it can be difficult to completely eliminate from your fields. Best to be used on high ground to allow for proper drying of fields.
Type: Legume
Season: Cool Season
Seeding & Growth
Precision: 7 lb/A
Drilled: 15 lb/A, 1/2" to 1 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 20 lb/A
Aerial: 24 lb/A
Dates: 30-45 days before avg first frost
Avg seeds/lb: 16,300
Emergence: 14 days
Inoculate: Yes, pea or vetch inoculant
Height: 3'-7'
Inter-seeding: Yes, ask a specialist for details
Drought and Heat: Good drought tolerance, Low heat tolerance
Flooding: Does not tolerate flooding or ponding
