Vetch
Common vetch is probably the most suitable legume for sowing as a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen at lower temperatures than many other legumes.
Alternatively, Hairy vetch has superior winter hardiness over common vetch and can also be used as arable silage with grass or as a whole crop mix combined with cereals.
Germinal can provide Common vetch or Hairy vetch, depending on which variety you need as a cover crop. Vetch will help increase the protein content in the mix.
- Sowing rate: 15 kg/ha
- Sowing time: Sow from mid-July up until 15 September if sowing for ACRES
- Frost tolerance: Good
- Biomass: Rapidly produces a large biomass
- Pests & diseases: Generally not a problem
ACRES Scheme
- The following table presents the full list of prescribed catch crops permitted within the ACRES scheme
- For ACRES, a mixture of at least two crops from the prescribed list must be sowing
- Vetch cover crops must remain in place until after 1 January
| Brassica | Legume | Cereal | Other |
| Forage rape
4-5 kg/ha |
Crimson clover
10-15 kg/ha |
Rye
65-75 kg/ha |
Phacelia
4-5 kg/ha |
| Leafy turnip
4-6 kg/ha |
Berseem clover
10-15 kg/ha |
Oats
60-75 kg/ha |
Buckwheat
30-40 kg/ha |
| Tillage radish
4-6 kg/ha |
Vetch
15 kg/ha |
Black oats
30-40 kg/ha |
Sunflowers
10-15 kg/ha |
| Mustard
8-10 kg/ha |
Peas
40-50 kg/ha |
Linseed
15 kg/ha |
|
| Beans
70-90 kg/ha |
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| Red clover
8-10 kg/ha |
Ask an expert
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