Cool Season
Cicer milkvetch is a long lived perennial that has anti-bloat properties. It is a vine that takes two to three years to properly establish. Once established, it can start to dominate the sward. Like other vetches, there are 10 to 30% hard seeds, so it could become a weed if not managed. It has a combination of tap root and fibrous root system making it quite drought tolerant.
Seeds per pound: 122,000 Seed/sq ft/pound of seed: 3.0
Uses:
- Nitrogen builder
- Hay source
- Intercropping
- Erosion control
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Pollinator attracter
Strengths:
- Once establish very long lived
- Good yields
- Retains leaves at maturity
Concerns:
Can be difficult to take out, difficult to dry down, tannins can decrease palatability.
Grazing:
Good. Either rotation or stockpiled. Animals may avoid it until later in the year due to tannins.
Hay:
Good. Dry down may be an issue in a pure stand. Can lodge.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
