Management of organic hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) cover crops in establishment year

Abstract

Field studies showed that hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) of “northern origin” produced more biomass than cultivars developed in milder climates. Hairy vetch biomass was greatest and weed biomass was lowest when vetch was planted in spring vs. mid-summer. Approximately 50 plants m−2 maximized hairy vetch biomass production and weed suppression.