Lucerne and Italian Ryegrass for Green Manure

Alfalfa (Lucerne) seed Lucerne Seed Lucerne Seed
Sowing time April, May, June, July.
Growing period: 2-3 months or up to 1 year for overwintering.
Ideal Soil Type: Most soil types
Nitrogen fixer: Yes
How to Sow: Prepare the soil by roughly digging it over and removing any weeds. Lightly tread the soil, and then sow the seeds by broadcast sowing (i.e. scattering evenly) for good coverage. Rake the soil and water well. In dry periods you may need to water until the green manure is established.
Care: The green manure should be cut down before flowering when the stems are nice and soft as they decompose quicker, retain more beneficial nutrients and are easier to incorporate into the soil. They can be dug into the soil by turning over into the top 15cms or left on the top as a mulch, the worms will drag down the organic matter and help to aerate the soil.
Sow Rate: 2.5 grams per square metre.
Italian ryegrass
Sowing time March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Growing period: 3-24 months
Ideal Soil Type: Most.
Nitrogen fixer: No.
How to Sow: Prepare the soil by roughly digging it over and removing any weeds. Lightly tread the soil, and then sow the seeds by broadcast sowing (i.e. scattering evenly) for good coverage. Rake the soil and water well. In dry periods you may need to water until the green manure is established.
Care: The green manure should be cut down before flowering when the stems are nice and soft as they decompose quicker, retain more beneficial nutrients and are easier to incorporate into the soil. They can be dug into the soil by turning over into the top 15cms or left on the top as a mulch, the worms will drag down the organic matter and help to aerate the soil.
Sow Rate: 10 grams per square metre.