HAIRY VETCH

Hairy Vetch Fixes Nitrogen & Provides Spring Forage for Livestock

Hairy-vetch
Nitrogen
Erosion
Water Management
forage
key benefit
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Vicia villosa
Hairy vetch is a good cover crop choice where spring forage production and nitrogen contribution are desired. Though fall-planted hairy vetch may not have evident top growth, strong root development continues over the winter. Growth accelerates in the spring when plants can reach 12 feet in length. This viny growth can be very beneficial, as it smothers weeds and is a great nitrogen contributor; however, it can also be a challenge, as it is sometimes difficult to manage with hay cutting equipment.

Planting Instructions:

Monoculture
In Mixes
Seeding Rate:
10-15 lbs/acre drilled
25-30 lbs/ acre
broadcast
5-10 lbs/acre drilled 15-20 lbs/ acre broadcast
Planting Depth:
1/4-1/2 inch
Ideal Soil:
Tolerant of a wide variety of soils, including poorly drained soils and low pH (5.5 or lower, though 6.0-7.0 is ideal