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.
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
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Sowing rate: 30kg/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