Cover crops are sometimes referred to as "green manure." They are natural methods utilized by those practicing sustainable agriculture to improve soil quality and productivity. Most often, leguminous crops are used because they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. They do this in a curious way that involves converting nitrogen gases (in the air) to minerals (in the soil). Those favoring this method do so because the environmental impact is positive as compared to industrial methods for adding nitrogen to the soil that rely on fossil fuels and have the undesirable effect of depleting oxygen in the water.
Leguminous plants are unique because they all produce seed pods, like peas and beans, but fenugreek and lupins are also legumes.
Trifolium pratense
Clover, Medium Red, certified organic, 500 seedsTrifolium pratense
Red clover is a medicinal herb, native to Europe and Asia but is found worldwide. It is hardy to -40 degrees. It germinates very quickly, often in three days, and can be used as a cover crop to fix nitrogen and to replace unwanted weeds. Red clover is the primary ingredient in the famous Hoxsey tonic which we provide under the name of Sundance since Dr. Christopher said that his Dogwood formula was the same as that of Chief Sundance (and we determined it is the same as that of Hoxsey.) Red clover blossoms are also made into herbal teas and ointments.
Kidney vetch is native to Europe and grows easily along rugged coasts, cliffs, and beaches. It is a perennial and likes full sun or partial shade. It is often used in skin ointments. It provides nectar and is also a nitrogen fixer.
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Poulsbo, Washington
Copyright by Sacred Medicine Sanctuary 2013, 2017. and 2019
Graphic Design:Damien Francoeur
They do this in a curious way that involves converting nitrogen gases (in the air) to minerals (in the soil). Those favoring this method do so because the environmental impact is positive as compared to industrial methods for adding nitrogen to the soil that rely on fossil fuels and have the undesirable effect of depleting oxygen in the water.
