Hairy - VETCH
COOL Season - Legume
SOIL ADAPTABILITY:
Drainage: Poorly to well-drained soils
Fertility: Fair tolerance of low soil fertility
pH Level: 5.5-7.5
Minimum Soil Germination Temp: 60°F
Sunlight: Superior shade tolerance
SEEDING / GROWTH:
Dates: 30-45 days before avg fist frost
Rates:
Precision: 7lb/A
Drilled: 15-20 lb/A , 1/2" to 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 17-22 lb/A
Aerial: 18-22 lb/A
Average seeds/lb: 16,300
Inoculate: Pea or vetch inoculant
Emergence: 14 days
Height: 3' - 7'
Drought & Heat: Good drought tolerance
Good heat tolerance
Flooding: Does not tolerate flooding or ponding
PROS:
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Large production of mineralized N
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Loosens topsoil and builds soil
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Once estalished it has good weed suppression
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Scavenges Phosphorus very well
CONS:
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Establishment takes time
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Can become a weed
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Can increase soybean cyst & root-knot
Few Legumes match Hairy Vetch for spring residue production or nitrogen contribution. Widely adapted and winter hardy through Hardiness Zone 4 and into Zone 3 (with snow cover). Hairy Vetch is a top N provider in temperate and subtropical regions. The cover grows slowly in fall, but root development continues over winter. Growth quickens in spring, when it becomes a sprawling vine up to 12 feet long. Field height rarely exceeds 3 feet unless the Vetch is suported by another crop. Its abundant, viney biomass can be a benefit and a challenge. However, a good stand of Hariy Vetch can smother spring weeds and help you replace all or most N fertilizer needs for late-planted crops.