Type: Various (Annual/Biennial/Perennial) • Family: Fabaceae (Legume) • Sun: Various • Water: Various • Soil pH: 5.5-7.5 • Hardiness: Species-dependent—most are very hardy
Growing Cover Crop Legumes in your area
Legume cover crops are the foundation of organic soil building—they fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, add organic matter, suppress weeds, and break compaction. The key species for WV: crimson clover (fall-planted, spring termination, 100-150 lbs N/acre), hairy vetch (fall-planted, very hardy, 100-200 lbs N/acre), red clover (frost-seeded or spring, biennial, 100-200 lbs N/acre), field peas (spring-planted, 80-120 lbs N/acre), and cowpeas (summer-planted, 100+ lbs N/acre). Inoculate all legume seeds with the appropriate rhizobium strain—this is the single most important step. Without inoculant, nitrogen fixation is minimal.
Recommended Varieties
'Crimson Clover'
Beautiful crimson flower spikes in May. Fixes 100-150 lbs N/acre. Sow September-October. Excellent ahead of summer crops. Winter kills in hard winters—easier termination.
'Hairy Vetch'
Very hardy—survives WV winters. Fixes 100-200 lbs N/acre. Vigorous vine growth—excellent weed suppression. Sow September. Best nitrogen fixer for WV.
'Red Clover'
Frost-seed in late winter or spring plant. Fixes 100-200 lbs N/acre. Good for undersowing in corn. Can be hayed. Versatile.
'Cowpeas (Iron & Clay)'
The standard summer cover crop legume. Massive biomass. Fixes 100+ lbs N/acre. Very drought and heat tolerant. Sow after last frost through July. Excellent soil builder.
Cultural History
Legume nitrogen fixation was not understood until the late 1800s, when German scientists discovered rhizobium bacteria in root nodules. This discovery revolutionized agriculture—it explained why crop rotation with legumes had worked for millennia. The traditional Appalachian practice of rotating corn-beans-clover was scientifically validated. Today, legume cover crops are the primary nitrogen source on organic farms.
Seed Saving
Seed saving varies by species.
The Loop Farmstead Standard
- Compost: 1-2 inches annually (on-farm production)
- Cover crops: Rye + vetch (fall), buckwheat (summer), daikon (compaction)
- Wood chips: Pathways only (aged 2+ years for beds)
- Biochar: Charged with compost tea (permanent carbon)
- Wood ash: Light application from wood stove
Never used: Synthetic fertilizers, mined minerals, gypsum, peat moss