Mornin', Folks!
I haven't been online much except to check emails and do paperwork so it was a nice surprise to visit ATP and see the green manure tip!
Lee Anne, I had to go look it up. The plant is Chaste tree and the pic was taken by Dave and included in the tip. Great pic, Dave!
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek')
And yep, Sharon hit the nail on the head, "green manure" was a term used for years then later the term "cover crop" became used, mainly because they provided 'cover' for the soil. Some cover crops, like legumes, will pull N out of the air and eventually it ends up in the soil. Other cover crops are known for leaving behind minerals and such (alfalfa, for example, offering calcium and potassium). And of course, all the cover crop plant matter, legume or non-legume, will add tilth to the soil, offer protection from the elements, encourage soil life and, and...well, don't get me started.
I think my most favorite of the legume cover crops/green manures, besides crimson clover, are the kind we can eat! Peas, beans, cowpeas, etc, not only add N to the soil, and their plant matter when turned under, but give us some goodies to tickle our taste buds while on their way to our tummies! Goodness for ourselves, goodness for the soil. Ain't nuttin' better for ya!
Shoe
