Green Manures Flashcards
What is meant by the term “green manure?”
A crop specifically grown to be dug into the ground as manure.
Give examples of crops grown for green manure
Blue lupin- Lupinus angustifolias
Winter tares- Vicia sativa
Crimson clover
Perennial ryegrass
Why are these crops used?
They all cover the ground quickly adn yield a large amount of leaf.
Where is green manure mainly used?
Vegetable plots and organic growing systems
What are the key points of green manure? (x7)
Reduce soil erosion
Adds Organic matter
Compete out weeds
Develops and maintains soil fertility and structure
Increases micro-organism activity in soil
Covers bare ground
Captures soluble soil nutrients that would otherwise be leached.
How do you apply green manure to a specific area?
You can dig it in or cut it down and leave it to wilt.
You can leave it as a mulch but this does make it difficult to put the next crop in.
