The Benefits of Vetches as Cover Crops and Green Manure

Vetches are a type of legume that is commonly used as a cover crop or green manure. They are a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes beans, peas, and lentils. Vetches are known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, making it available to other plants. This makes them an excellent choice for improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

There are several different species of vetches, including:

* Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
* Fodder vetch (Vicia faba)
* Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa)
* Italian vetch (Vicia ervilia)
* Lathyrus vetch (Lathyrus sativus)

Vetches are annual or perennial plants that can grow in a variety of conditions, from cool, moist climates to warm, dry ones. They are often used as a cover crop in the fall, as they can help to protect the soil over the winter and add nutrients in the spring. Vetches can also be used as a forage crop for livestock, and their seeds can be harvested for human consumption.