Characteristics

  • Annual, fast growing, protein-rich
  • Leaves: oval, tapered base; petiole ending in a branched tendril; characteristic reddish-purple spot on the petiole axil
  • Height: hollow stems up to 1 m
  • Flowers: purple
  • Seeds: approx. 8 cm long in pods
  • Root: thickened, slightly twisted taproot; lateral roots extending sideways; relatively limited depth growth

Environmental needs

  • Low to medium
  • High lime and humus content (pH > 6)
  • Warm, humid climate
  • Well aerated, moisture-retentive soils
  • Not suitable for very dry and sandy soils

DSV variety

LIVIOLETTA offers good stability with high protein and DM yields

Use

  • Summer cover crop
  • Forage/silage in mixtures
  • Suitable for grazing

Green manure

  • Nitrogen-fixing
  • Good structural soil improvement
  • Root residue of 12-15 quintals DM/ha
  • Effective forecrop
  • Very good bee pasture

Function within TerraLife®

  • Dry germinating
  • Shallow rooting
  • Nitrogen-fixing
  • Dense penetration of topsoil due to branching lateral roots

TerraLife® mixtures