Cool-Season Legume · Cover Crop · Green Manure
Hairy Vetch
Hairy Vetch is a winter annual legume valued for biological nitrogen fixation, spring biomass production and soil protection. It is an excellent fit for soil-building cover crop programs and works especially well when paired with cereal grains.
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A High-Value Nitrogen-Fixing Cover Crop
Hairy Vetch is a vigorous cool-season legume commonly used where nitrogen contribution, biomass and soil improvement are primary goals. Once established, it develops substantial spring growth and can contribute biologically fixed nitrogen to the following crop.
Why Use Hairy Vetch?
A productive winter annual legume for nitrogen, biomass and diversified cover crop systems.
Nitrogen Fixation
As a legume, Hairy Vetch can biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen and contribute nitrogen to the cropping system.
Spring Biomass
Produces vigorous spring vegetative growth that can contribute residue, organic matter and ground cover.
Erosion Protection
Vegetative cover helps protect exposed soil while the crop occupies the field during the cool season.
Excellent Mix Partner
Its climbing growth habit works especially well with cereal rye, triticale, wheat and other grasses that provide structural support.
Agronomic Uses
Where Hairy Vetch Fits
Hairy Vetch fits cover crop rotations where growers want to increase legume diversity, produce spring biomass and build nitrogen before the following crop. It can be planted alone, but its vine-like growth habit often makes it particularly effective when combined with a cereal companion crop.
Establishment & Management
Give Hairy Vetch Time to Produce Spring Growth
Hairy Vetch generally develops relatively slowly during the fall, then produces much stronger vegetative growth as conditions warm in spring. Earlier establishment typically gives the crop more opportunity to develop roots and maximize spring biomass and nitrogen contribution.
Termination Note: Hairy Vetch should be terminated before unwanted seed production. Mechanical termination with a roller-crimper becomes more reliable as plants reach later reproductive stages, with research showing consistent control around early pod set. Termination timing should be matched to the following crop and management system.
Looking for Hairy Vetch Seed?
Contact Weaver Seed for current availability, pricing and custom cover crop mix recommendations.
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