Green manure refers to a specific type of cover crop that is grown primarily for the purpose of improving the health and fertility of the soil. These crops are typically grown and then plowed or tilled back into the soil, adding organic matter and nutrients to promote the growth of future crops. When it comes to choosing which crops to use as green manure, there are many options available that can provide a beneficial mix of nutrients and organic matter.
One popular green manure crop is alfalfa, also known as lucerne. Alfalfa has deep roots that help break up compacted soil and improve its structure. It also contains high levels of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Additionally, alfalfa adds organic matter to the soil, improving its overall fertility.
Beetroot is another excellent choice for green manure. It has a taproot that penetrates deeply into the soil, helping to break up hardpan and improve drainage. Beetroot also adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil, making it an ideal choice for enriching the soil.
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are nitrogen-fixing plants that can improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is accessible to other plants. They have deep roots that help improve soil structure and add organic matter.
Lab lab beans are another nitrogen-fixing crop that can be used as green manure. They provide a good source of organic matter and can improve soil fertility.
Endive is a leafy green crop that can be grown as a cover crop. It adds organic matter to the soil and helps suppress weeds.
Medic, also known as burr medic, is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. It has deep roots that help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.
Millet, specifically white millet, can be grown as a green manure crop. It is a fast-growing grass that adds organic matter to the soil and helps suppress weeds.
Mustard is a brassica crop that can be grown as a cover crop. It has biofumigant properties, meaning it releases compounds that can suppress soil-borne pests and diseases. Mustard also adds organic matter to the soil and helps improve its structure.
Purslane is a low-growing succulent that can be grown as a cover crop. It has shallow roots that help protect the soil from erosion and adds organic matter.
Radish is a quick-growing crop that has deep taproots that help break up compacted soil and improve its structure. It also adds organic matter to the soil.
Soybeans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil. They add organic matter and improve soil fertility.
Butterfly pea is a nitrogen-fixing legume that adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. It can also help improve soil structure.
Turnips have deep roots that break up compacted soil and improve drainage. They also add organic matter to the soil and help suppress weeds.
Vetch is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. It has deep roots that improve soil structure and adds organic matter.
Basil, dill, coriander, and fenugreek are all herbs that can be grown as cover crops. They add organic matter and can help attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Rocket, also known as arugula, can be grown as a cover crop. It adds organic matter and helps suppress weeds.
Amaranth is a fast-growing leafy green that adds organic matter to the soil and helps suppress weeds.
Cocksfoot is a grass that can be grown as a cover crop. It adds organic matter to the soil and helps improve its structure.
Chia is a fast-growing plant that adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. It also helps suppress weeds.
Quinoa is a grain crop that can be grown as a cover crop. It adds organic matter and helps improve soil fertility.
There are numerous crops that can be used as green manure to improve the health and fertility of the soil. By selecting a beneficial mix of crops such as alfalfa, beetroot, broad bean, lab lab bean, endive, medic, millet, mustard, purslane, radish, soybean, butterfly pea, turnip, vetch, basil, dill, coriander, fenugreek, rocket, amaranth, cocksfoot, chia, and quinoa, gardeners and farmers can enrich their soil with organic matter, improve soil structure, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. The specific choice of crops will depend on factors such as climate, soil type, and desired outcomes, but by diversifying the green manure mix, the overall health and productivity of the soil can be enhanced.
