Woolypod Vetch
COOL Season - Legume
SOIL ADAPTABILITY:
Drainage: Poorly to well-drained soils
Fertility: Good tolerance of low soil fertility
pH Level: 6.0-8.0
Minimum Soil Germination Temp: 48°F
Sunlight: Good shade tolerance
SEEDING / GROWTH:
Dates: Within 30-45 days prior to first frost
Rates:
Precision: Not recommended
Drilled: 20 lb/A (1/2" - 1" deep)
Broadcast: 30 lb/A
Aerial: 35 lb/A
Average seeds/lb: 10,000
Inoculate: Yes, with pea and vetch inoculant
Emergence: 7 days
Height: 2' - 4'
Drought & Heat: Good drought tolerance
Good heat tolerance
Flooding: Average tolerance to flooding and ponding
PROS:
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Rapid N fixation
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Weed suppressor
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Erosion preventor
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Add organic matter
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Attracts beneficial insects
CONS:
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Reseeding concerns for yearly emergence (especially if managed inappropriately)
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Moisture concerns (some soils require irrigation in order to maintain vigorous growth)
Specialty vetches such as Woollypod and purple vetch are faster growing alternatives to hairy vetch in Hardiness Zone 7 and warmer. Requiring little or no irrigation as a winter cover in these areas, they provide dependability, abundant N, organic matter, and an excellent weed suppression. A first-year, an overwintering stand of Woollypod Vetch easily will provide more than 100 pounds of N per acre in any system when allowed to put on spring growth. The popular LANA cultivar starts fixing N in as little as one week after emergence. Woollypod typically produces more dry matter than any other vetch. LANA shows better early growth than other vetches, even during cool late fall and winter weather in Zone 7 and warmer. LANA shows explosive growth in early spring and in late winter and early spring when moisture is adequate. It can provide up to 8,000 lb. DM/A, which breaks down quickly and improves soil structure.