Success of vetches is dependent on variety

UNDERSOWING VETCHES into a spring whole-crop to take advantage of fixed nitrogen could yield disappointing results unless growers specify a variety.

Trial work by Oliver Seeds showed a big difference between spring and winter varieties of vetch, said the company”s Rod Bonshor. “Most growers don”t stipulate variety when ordering, but we found spring vetches have higher D-value and protein than winter types or even peas.”

Results from 2004 for spring vetches showed yields of 7.8tDM/ha at 70.1 D-value and 18.8t/ha of crude protein. But winter varieties produced 8.11t DM/ha, at 62.6 D-value and 16.3 t/ha of crude protein.

Further trials looking at two winter varieties revealed a larger range in yield, added Mr Bonshor. “English Common produced 7.39t DM/ha while Corail gave 8.82t DM/ha.”

In addition to its lower yield, English Common was also still flowering when harvested. Spring types were early podding, high in dry matter and D-value.

“Early spring types seem to be most appropriate, but they are susceptible to lodging. When used with a good percentage of barley in a whole-crop mix, the cereal forms a climbing frame for the vetch.”