The potential role of annual forage legumes in Canada: A review

D. McCartney¹ and J. Fraser²

Abstract
The need to reduce agricultural input costs while increasing soil fertility has prompted researchers to look for alternative crop production systems that include N fixing crops. Annual legumes can be used in rotations as forages and green manure crops to increase the organic matter and N content of soils and provide soil cover to control erosion and weeds. Despite the benefits of annual legumes, high production costs and scarcity of seed has hindered their use.


Source
Canadian Journal of Plant Science (2010) 90: 403-420
DOI: 10.4141/CJPS07182


Author  Locations and Affiliations
(1) Lacombe Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, T4L 1W1
(2) 1021 Elliot Road South, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3V2.


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Posted August 2010