Green Manure Seeds — are seeds of fast-growing plants that are grown specifically to improve soil health. When these plants are cultivated and then incorporated back into the soil (usually by plowing or cutting before flowering), they add valuable organic matter and nutrients, especially nitrogen, to the soil. Green manure crops enhance soil structure, increase water retention, suppress weeds, and support beneficial soil microorganisms.
Key Features
Soil Fertility Improvement: Many green manure plants (especially legumes like sunn hemp, cowpea, and sesbania) fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil naturally.
Organic Matter Addition: Once incorporated into the soil, the decomposed plant biomass increases organic carbon, improving texture and nutrient availability.
Weed Suppression: Quick canopy growth shades the soil, reducing weed germination and growth.
Erosion Control: Dense foliage and root systems help protect soil from erosion by wind and rain.
Pest and Disease Management: Some green manure species can reduce soil-borne pathogens and break pest cycles.
Common Green Manure Seed Types
Legumes: Sunn hemp, Cowpea, Dhaincha (Sesbania), Horse gram — excellent nitrogen fixers.
Non-Legumes: Mustard, Buckwheat, Sorghum — good biomass producers.
Mixed Crops: Combinations of legumes and cereals for balanced nutrient addition and biomass.
Benefits in Sustainable Farming Green manure seeds are widely used in organic and conservation agriculture to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, improve long-term soil health, and promote sustainable crop production systems.
