Overview
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. is a species of flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). It is commonly known as the hairy vetch or winter vetch. This plant is cultivated as a cover crop, a forage crop, and as a green manure. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to many other regions around the world.
Appearance
The foliage of the hairy vetch is characterized by long, trailing stems that can grow up to 10 feet in length. The leaves are pinnately compound, with six to eight pairs of leaflets. The flowers are pinkish-purple and papilionaceous, consisting of five petals that form a distinct banner, two wings, and a keel. The fruits are elongated, hairy pods that contain several seeds.
Common Names
In addition to hairy vetch and winter vetch, this plant is also known by a variety of other common names. Some of the most common include sand vetch, common vetch, fodder vetch, Hungarian vetch, and tare.
Uses
The hairy vetch is primarily used as a cover crop, forage crop, and green manure. As a cover crop, it is often grown during fallow periods to prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and suppress weed growth. As a forage crop, it is an important winter feed for grazing livestock. As a green manure, it is grown to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and incorporating it into the soil. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach disorders and respiratory infections.
Light Requirements
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb., commonly known as Winter Hairy Vetch, grows best under full sun exposure. It is a cool-season annual legume that requires ample sunlight to thrive. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be required to avoid excessive heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Winter Hairy Vetch growth is between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Cooler temperatures are tolerated, but growth will be slowed down. This plant can withstand frost and may continue to grow slowly during winter, provided that the temperature stays above 20°F (-6°C). However, extended exposure to sub-zero temperatures may cause damage.
Soil Requirements
Winter Hairy Vetch prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is relatively tolerant of acidic soils but may struggle in soils with pH levels below 5.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil textures but prefers loamy soils. This plant is also capable of fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, making it suitable for nitrogen-depleted soils.
Cultivation Methods
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. is a cool-season legume that is relatively easy to grow. The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The best time to plant Vicia villosa is in early spring or late summer. Sow the seeds at least one inch deep in rows spaced eight to twelve inches apart. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of two to four inches.
Watering Needs
To ensure optimal growth, Vicia villosa requires adequate water. The plant needs about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. However, take care not to overwater the plant as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Vicia villosa requires moderate fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, before planting. Side-dress the plants with nitrogen fertilizer when they reach about six inches in height.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Vicia villosa; however, if the plant becomes too unruly, you can trim it back by a third of its growth. Additionally, remove any dead or diseased branches as they appear to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb.
Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. can be propagated through different methods, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Some popular ways of propagating this plant include:
Direct Seeding
Direct seeding involves sowing the seeds of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. directly into the ground, often in rows. This method is common when planting large areas. However, it may not provide uniform coverage when using variable seed quality or seed that is inadequately treated with an inoculant. Planting is done in the spring before soil temperatures exceed 16°C (60°F).
Transplanting
Transplanting involves starting seeds of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. indoors and later moving the seedlings to their permanent location outdoors. It is a method commonly employed in small-scale production or places where there is limited seed. This method provides greater control over seed quality and enhances survival rates. Transplanting can be done early in the spring.
Winter Seeding
Winter seeding involves sowing the seeds of Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. during the winter months. The seed must be sown when the soil is not waterlogged, and there are no indications of heavy snowfall. The method can give higher losses from suffocation under deep snow without freezing or exposure that causes damage. The low soil temperatures at the beginning of winter may prevent germination until spring, offering the seed a period of natural cold stratification like a leading spring view.
Interseeding
Interseeding is employed when Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. is to be included in an already established cropping system. The method involves adding the plant's seed among the established stand of the field mixture. Preparing the interseeded site with no-till before planting or drill-seeding into established covers in the spring are necessary for good contact between seed and soil while retaining the vegetative cover.
Overall, Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. propagation involves different methods with distinct advantages and disadvantages, providing a variety of choices for growers to select for their particular situation.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. A few common ones include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Managing this disease requires crop rotation, fungicide applications, and seed treatments.
- Mycosphaerella Blight: This disease can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and reduced yields. Managing this disease requires removing infected plant material and using fungicides.
- Fusarium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Managing this disease requires crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and using fungicides.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant health through proper irrigation, fertilization, and weed control. Additionally, using disease-resistant varieties and implementing integrated pest management practices can help reduce the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Some common pests that can affect Vicia villosa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corb. include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields. Managing aphids requires monitoring and using insecticides when necessary, as well as planting resistant varieties.
- Seedcorn Maggot: This pest can cause damage to seeds and seedlings, leading to reduced germination and stand establishment. Managing this pest requires planting at the appropriate time and using insecticides or seed treatments.
- Wireworms: These soil-dwelling pests can cause damage to roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. Managing wireworms requires crop rotation and using insecticides or seed treatments.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor fields for signs of infestation, and to use integrated pest management practices such as crop rotation, cultural control methods, and the use of beneficial insects. Chemical control measures such as insecticides should be used only as a last resort.
