Re: Hairy vetch a weed?

David DeCou (david_d@efn.org)
Thu, 19 Feb 1998 07:11:21 -0800

A Sustainable Ag scientist at Oregon State Universty (Dr. John Luna) while
working with me on a covercrop experiment used an interesting technique to
significantly reduce the hard seed problem in Hairy Vetch. He Scarified it
just prior to planting. This seems to be a technique of cracking the the
outer seed case. I did not see the machinery so I do not know how involved
it is. Anyway at least in my fields I did not note any volunteers coming up
later. This might provide an answer to the hard seed problem. If John Luna
might comment I believe he is part of this group.

>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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David DeCou
93780 River Road
Junction City, OR
97448
541 998-2110

david_d@efn.org
Education and Training should not be confused,
Training makes good workers, Education makes good citizens.

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