Common vetch

Species: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)
Cultivars: ‘AU Olympic’ (from Alabama)
Origin: Mediterranean region
Use: Grazing, pasture
Description:
General:

Life Span:

 2-3 feet tall; vine, tendrils; usually two purple flowers in axil of leaves.
Annual
Adaptation:
Distribution:
pH:
Soil:		 Widely distributed in the USA.
5.5-7.5
Loam, sandy-clay-loam.
Management:
Seeding Rate:
Planting Date:
Planting Depth:
Seed Cost:
Season of Use:
Production:		 30-35 lb/A
September-October
0.25-0.5 inch
$15-18/A
March-May
2000-4000 lbs/A
Notes:
  • Moderate bloat potential.
  • Vetches lack grazing tolerance – best utilized if rotationally grazed.
  • Inoculate with Rhizobia bacteria specific to vetch (Type C)
  • Cattle grazing pure stands develop a dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) similar to photosensitization.

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