Re: Hairy Vetch as a weed
Steve Groff (sgroff@epix.net)
Fri, 20 Feb 1998 22:17:20 -0500
Seems as though this hairy vetch question has generated some interest in
using it, in conjunction with no-till, as an option in vegetable
production. I have used Dr. Baki and Dr. Ron Morse's research as a
basis for my production techniques. For transplanted crops I plant in
the fall a mix of 25 lbs. vetch, 10 lbs crimson clover, and 30 lbs rye.
It is then rolled down in the spring with a rolling stalk chopper and
immediately planted into. I like either pure vetch or pure rye for
direct seeded crops.
For my first plantings I need some herbicide to control regrowth, but
after the covers are in full bloom, little or no herbicide is needed.
Mowing would give a little better control of the the covers so they
wouldn't regrow if they are not yet in in full bloom. An organic grower
used the no-till planter last year on a vetch/rye mix and was really
impressed at how well it worked. he rolled the cover with an old disk
that didn't penetrate the soil and then mowed between the rows a couple
of times. The vetch was in full bloom. Organic growers should first try
this on later plantings so you don't have the problem of regrowth. I've
grown no-till pumpkins by direct seeding them into a rolled, full bloom,
vetch/rye combo and left a one acre with no herbicides. After I sprayed
the other part for weeds we had no rain to incorporate the herbicide so
it basically didn't work. There was NO difference between the 2
treatments and weed control was very good- just did some hand weeding on
that 3 acre field once. I wish I hadn't spent the money for the
chemicals! Next year I plan to not spray where I have a good cover crop.
Any one who is serious about this system can check out our website:
http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com For those who have the right plugins
you can view the no-till planter and the rolling stalk chopper in action
Or you can order the video by contacting me directly. Check the website
for details.
Hope this helps!
--
"New Generation Cropping Systems": the cutting edge of sustainable
agriculture
http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com
Steve Groff
Cedar Meadow Farm
679 Hilldale Rd
Holtwood PA 17532 USA
Ph. 717-284-5152
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