Green Manures

[creekwel]

Green manures benifit the ground between crops, the growing and rotavating in replaces nutrients and and boosting humus content of the soil. Suitable green manures include mustard, winter tares, white clover, field beans and alfalfa.
Clover and other legumes are plants that fix nitrogen by harvesting it from the air and transfer it into the soil via the roots
Green manures also mop up plant foods that are still in the soil and prevent them from being washed away. The dense green cover also prevents soil erosion from heavy rain. It also acts as a weed supression for the less desirble weeds by preventing light. Deep rooting green manures like alfalfa improve the soil structure by breaking up the soil and aerating the soil. The dense growth provides safe cover for beetles, frogs and other preditors. Ultimatly it stimulates biological activity which makes the soil more prductive.