I am trying to identify an appropriate leguminous(Nitrogen fixer) creeper/Live mulch for drip irrigated old Horticulture farm.
Basically we should be able to have 2 creeper plants near the drip micro tube openings on either ends of the periphery of the trees. So that 2 creeper plants per Horticulture tree can cover the gaps between trees and eliminate the need for weedicide.
Shortlisted :
Broad beans (Chikudi kai). Pros : 1 plant covers lot of area ; Cons : I heard it doesn’t give beans for lot of days
Cow pea : There is a creeper but I am not sure its marketable ? any idea
I have attached the pic of cow pea sold in Bangalore super markets but looks like a busy cow pea not a creeper. Not sure what variety it is
Here are the varities from Palekars book : Pusa Phalguni, Pusa Dophasali, C-152, C-20, Type-2, JC-5
Any other Nitroger fixing(leguminous) creeper that you suggest that, ?
Lablab beans(chapparada avare): This has good market valyue because it is rare. This is a winter crop.
Mucuna Pruriens/Velvet bean/nasagunni avare(kannada). The beans are prurchased by medicine companies. The beans are NOT EDIBLE.
The bean pods are itchy. IIHR has developed a veriety which is not itchy.
The bean rates are 65/Kg. (locally middlemen buys for 40/Kg) 3 tons/acre is the yeild.
mucuna bracteata(Nelamucchala Balli): These are used only in rubber plantation. There is a caution, the creeper spreads like anything and cover entire land not allowing to grow anything. This has to be periodically pruned. This cannot be used as fodder. Cows dont eat it.
