Lecture by Alan Chadwick in New Market, Virginia, 1979
Lecture 18.2, Plant Study: Lea Crops, Part 1
An Introduction to Alan Chadwick's Lectures and a Glossary of Terms
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Medicago Sativa, (Alfalfa). The modern hybrid only lives a few years. Must be weeded during the first year. The root can go down as far as 62 feet and so induces great worm activity. Some variation of the alfalfa exist, must be chosen depending on climate. Can be cut eight or nine times per year, but never the first year. Makes good compost and excellent fodder for livestock. Medicago Denticulata (burr clover). Roots are covered with bacterial nodules and so this plant builds soil and worm activity. Vicia, the vetches. Vicia sylvatica. Likes calcium soils. Excellent animal fodder. Vicia sativa, (ordinary vetch) an annual. Vicia sepium (bush vetch), a perennial. All vetches harbor bacterial noduals. (12:28)