Hairy vetch a weed?

Art Bomke (fert@unixg.ubc.ca)
Wed, 18 Feb 1998 19:16:57 -0800

We have been researching various legume plus nonlegume mixes for
over-winter cover cropping in south coastal British Columbia. As a nitrogen
fixer, Hairy vetch is a better and more reliable N fixer as compared to
crimson clover and the other legumes evaluated. We have been reluctant to
promote its use, however, due to the concern of local farmers that it will
re-appear as a volunteer in the summer crop rotation. It was felt that it
was more important to firmly establish the practice of over-winter cover
cropping before risking a possible hairy vetch control problem.

We are interested in any scientific references or practical experience
relative to hairy vetch as a weed especially in low input or organic
farming systems. Could we be dealing with a hard seed, delayed germination
situation or simply preventing it from going to seed in the spring?

Any help would be appreciated!

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