Re: Cult - Medicago Sativa... was...alfalfa as a cover crop
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Cult - Medicago Sativa... was...alfalfa as a cover crop
- From: J* M* <m*@junction.net>
- Date: Sat, 22 Nov 1997 03:06:28 -0700 (MST)
At 08:24 PM 97-11-21 -0700, Rick wrote:
>Not so soon! My Encyclopedia on gardening states that Medicago Sativa
>(alfalfa) is of value for feeding stock, AND is a valuable soil-builder
>and is sometimes used as a green manure crop. In England and some other
>countries this plant is called Lucerne.
>
>Rick Tasco
>Superstition Iris Gardens
>Central California
>Zone 8
>===============================================================
Well, it is certainly a valuable feed crop and beyond doubt it is a
valuable soil builder and it apparently CAN be used as a green manure crop.
BUT I think you will rue the day that you introduce it into a garden
situation. Because it can be used doesn't mean it should be used. There are
many more appropriate green manure crops. The best of which in an all round
sense is oats. It will germinate in cold soil and will produce more fiber
more quickly than most anything. Above all it is annual and providing you
mow or till before the seed ripens, it doesn't become a problem. It does
not fix nitrogen but its good points out weigh that minus I think.
Rick described an excellent seed mix for this purpose a few days ago and
you would be far better off following his method than to plant alfalfa,
especially if you do not use herbicides. If a plant matures on you, there
is little choice but to use Roundup at a minimun of 2% concentration. The
roots will go about 30' below the surface and they have a tenacious love
for life. take it easy on yourself and use the pellets.
John Montgomery
monashee@junction.net
Vernon BC Zone 5
