Description
Purpose & Fit
Cahaba vetch was bred as a winter forage in southern climates and is a nitrogen fixer with some nematicide properties. With less growth than other vetches, Cahaba vetch won’t take over the sward, allowing for more versatility in forage systems.
Growth Pattern
With a white bloom, cahaba vetch can grow to be between eighteen and twenty inches tall.
Interseeding
Plantings require management if interseeding to prevent shading.
Did You Know?
Seeds/Lb: 10,000 – 12,000
Cahaba Vetch
Vicia sativa
Description
Purpose & Fit
Cahaba vetch was bred as a winter forage in southern climates and is a nitrogen fixer with some nematicide properties. With less growth than other vetches, Cahaba vetch won’t take over the sward, allowing for more versatility in forage systems.
Growth Pattern
With a white bloom, cahaba vetch can grow to be between eighteen and twenty inches tall.
Interseeding
Plantings require management if interseeding to prevent shading.
Did You Know?
Seeds/Lb: 10,000 – 12,000
Adaptation
Climate & Soil
Soil pH: 5.4 – 7.2
Optimum Growth Range: 55°F – 75°F
Adaptation
Climate & Soil
Soil pH: 5.4 – 7.2
Optimum Growth Range: 55°F – 75°F
Establishment
Planting
Seeding Depth: ¼” – ¾”
Germination
Min Time To Emergence: 7 – 14 days
Ideal Temp: 45°F – 65°F
Seeding Rate
Monoculture: 15 – 30 lb/A
Establishment
Planting
Seeding Depth: ¼” – ¾”
Germination
Min Time To Emergence: 7 – 14 days
Ideal Temp: 45°F – 65°F
Seeding Rate
Monoculture: 15 – 30 lb/A
Management
Grazing
Earliest Time To Graze: 6″ – 8″
Fertilizer Requirements
At Planting: 20 lb/A N – 25 lb/A N
During Grazing Season: Not Applicable
Hay or Silage?
Timing: Just before the onset of pods (slightly after the recommended rye window for an area)
Cuttings During Season: 1 – 2
Recovery
Minimum Graze Height: 2″ – 5″
Rest Period: 14 days
Mixes
- Rye (prone to tangling)
- Wheat
- Oats
Yields
Tons of Dry Matter/A: 1 ½ – 2
Management
Grazing
Earliest Time To Graze: 6″ – 8″
Fertilizer Requirements
At Planting: 20 lb/A N – 25 lb/A N
During Grazing Season: Not Applicable
Hay or Silage?
Timing: Just before the onset of pods (slightly after the recommended rye window for an area)
Cuttings During Season: 1 – 2
Recovery
Minimum Graze Height: 2″ – 5″
Rest Period: 14 days
Mixes
- Rye (prone to tangling)
- Wheat
- Oats
Yields
Tons of Dry Matter/A: 1 ½ – 2
Pests & Considerations
Permanent Pasture
Cahaba vetch is an annual and will not be suitable for permanent pasture purposes.
Competitiveness
Although not competitive when first seeded, cahaba vetch will become competitive.
Risks
Cahaba vetch will winterkill.
Diseases
- Black Stem
- Root Rot
- Gray Mold
- Leaf Spot
- Downy Mildew
- Stem Rot
Pests
- Tarnished Plant Bug
- Pea Aphid
- Cowpea aphid
- Root-Knot Nematode
- Ring Nematode
- Root-Lesion Nematode
- Stubby Root Nematode
Pests & Considerations
Permanent Pasture
Cahaba vetch is an annual and will not be suitable for permanent pasture purposes.
Competitiveness
Although not competitive when first seeded, cahaba vetch will become competitive.
Risks
Cahaba vetch will winterkill.
Diseases
- Black Stem
- Root Rot
- Gray Mold
- Leaf Spot
- Downy Mildew
- Stem Rot
Pests
- Tarnished Plant Bug
- Pea Aphid
- Cowpea aphid
- Root-Knot Nematode
- Ring Nematode
- Root-Lesion Nematode
- Stubby Root Nematode