Characteristics
- Rapid growth
- Leaves: hairy, strong, pinnate, carved
- Stem: branched, densely hairy
- Height: 80-150 cm
- Flowers: white to purple
- Root: Deep going taproot, thicken to a radish, branched lateral root system
Environmental needs
- Very adaptable
- Lose, nutrient-rich soils
- Medium moisture requirements
- Not very sensitive to late frost
Use
- Active nematode control
- Erosion control
- Silage in mixtures
Green manure
- Not winter hardy
- Tolerates early frost until -6 °C, dies off at temperatures below
- Rapidly growing, weed suppressing
- Tolerates late sowing times
- Root mass 12-14 quintals DM/ha
- Many nematode-resistant varieties e.g. against Heterodera schachtii
