Green Manuring

Green Manuring

A growing crop that is plowed under and mixed with soil to enrich the organic matter is called green manure crop.
The practice of plowing under or soil incorporation of such green manure is called green manuring. Green manures are mostly leguminous crops which are high in nitrogen contents. Generally following crops are suitable for green manuring: Jantar, Guara, Cow peas, Alfalfa, Sun hemp and Clover etc.

Criteria for the selection of green manure crops

It should be fast growing and easily established.
It should produce abundant and succulent biomass.
It should be well adapted to the local conditions.
Growth habit of crop should encourage ground cover soon after its establishment.
It should be able to fix nitrogen in the soil.
It should have a wide climatic and soil adaptation and ability to grow on poor soil.

Advantages

Improves the soil fertility
Adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil
Improves the soil structure
Improves soil aeration

Increase soil biodiversity by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbes and other soil organisms.

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