Hedgerows, also known as shelterbelts or windbreaks, are rows of trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants that divide or border fields and/or suburban lots. In England, many farms are surrounded by ancient hedgerows that conserve soil and water, provide a home to wildlife, and serve as barriers. In the United States,...
Many buyers of processed vegetables are responding to consumer concerns by demanding that producers have an effective environmental stewardship program and reduce pesticide use. Snap bean producers have an opportunity to meet
these demands. The snap bean and 12 spot beetle interaction is relatively simple. Methods for determining risk of...
Fava bean is used as a winter or spring cover crop, green manure, silage, forage, hay, and vegetable. It is capable of producing large amounts of dry matter and accumulating large quantities of nitrogen (N), part of which is available to subsequent crops.
Common vetch is a viny, succulent, annual legume attaining a height of 24 inches when planted alone. It grows taller when planted with a tall companion crop that provides structural support for climbing.
Hairy vetch is used as a cover crop, green manure, pasture, silage, and hay. It is capable of accumulating large amounts of dry matter and nitrogen. When planted alone as a winter cover crop in annual vegetable rotations, it can provide substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) to a following crop.
Crimson clover may be used as a cover crop, green manure, pasture, or hay. It often is used as a winter annual cover crop in annual rotations. It has been used successfully in reduced-tillage farming systems, and in orchards and vineyards where it can be managed to reseed itself.
Rapeseed is grown for its oil and meal, and as a cover crop. Rapid fall growth captures part of the available soil nitrogen, which otherwise might be lost to leaching, and provides good ground cover over winter.
Field pea can be used as a cover crop, green manure, forage, hay, and silage. Hay is good quality, but pea is more succulent than vetches and more difficult to cure. Regrowth after mowing or grazing is poor.