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Legumes add nitrogen (N) to agricultural systems via the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). They have long been integrated into crop rotations as forage and cash crops, with increasing adoption as cover crops in recent years. This review explores the role of cool-season legumes as cover crops while also examining the potential for harvesting select forage and grain legumes. It covers key aspects of species selection and essential management practices, including rhizobia inoculation, seeding rates, and planting and termination timing. We also chapter discusses the comparative benefits and challenges of using cool-season legumes in monoculture versus mixed cover crop systems.
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Species selection
- 3 Peavines and medics and sweetclovers
- 4 Clovers, vetches and other legumes
- 5 Cover crop management
- 6 Rhizobia inoculation
- 7 Seeding rate and planting time
- 8 Mixes versus monocultures
- 9 Termination time and method
- 10 Harvesting legume cover crops
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Where to look for further information
- 13 References