Green manuring is used in organic farming to elevate the process of plant growth and to maintain the texture and quality of the soil.

A basic green manure can be made by gathering some green leaf and twigs from plants. Here’s a little guide that will take you through the various benefits of using green manuring.

The Purpose Of Green Manuring

Green leaf manure is the green un-decomposed material which can be obtained either by growing green manure crops or by collecting green leaves (along with the twigs) from the plants that grow in wastelands, field bunds, and forests.

Green manuring is a process of growing the manure in the field plants which are usually a part of the leguminous family. Green manuring also includes the composting of fresh green leaves and twigs of the trees, shrubs, and herbs collected from surroundings is known as green leaf manuring. Forest tree leaves are the primary source for green leaf manure. Another source of green leaf manure includes the plants growing in wastelands and field bunds. The plants that are grown with the aim of producing green manure are referred to as green manure crops.

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List Of Green Manure Crops

Here’s a list of such Green Manure Crops that are most commonly used to generate green manure.

#. Sunn Hemp

#. Dhaincha

#. Pillipesara

#. Cluster beans

#. Sesbania rostrate

Apart from these crops, there are certain species of plants which are vital in generating green leaf manure. Some of them are

#. Neem

#. Mahua

#. Wild indigo

#. Glyricidia,

#. Karanji calotropin

#. Avise

#. Subabul

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Advantages Of Green Leaf Manure 

Green leaf manures (GLMs) are organic manures which are made from leaves. They are used for providing essential plant nutrients to the soil to amplify the soil fertility. GLMs have been used to grow crops by many South Asian countries for centuries because of their several benefits.

#. Green manuring helps in improving the soil structure by increasing their water holding capacity which, in turn, decreases soil loss due to erosion.

#. Growing of green manure crops reduces weed growth and their proliferation.

#. Green manuring helps in the repossession of the alkaline soils.

#. GLMs ensure a balanced nutrition

#. GLMs promote the growth of earthworms because they work as their food material

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Importance Of Green Manuring In Organic Farming

Chemical fertilizers are being used throughout the world to compensate for the ever-increasing food requirement by the world population. Using them as a source of nutrient for the plants can be hazardous to the soil.

On the other hand, green leaf manure is proficient in fulfilling the requirements of plant nutrients without compromising the health and quality of the soil. Experiments have proven that GLMs can easily replace chemical fertilizers along with providing health and protection to the plant and the soil.

Using Green Manuring In Organic Farming Is Important Because:

#. Organic farmers who add green manures to their soil do not need to worry about the supply of essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and trace minerals to the soil. Green manures automatically release these plant nutrients into the soil.

#. Green manuring helps in improving the soil quality, accelerating the plant growth, reducing the growth of weeds and soil erosion.

Types of Green Manure

Green manures have varied types, with each having their own set of benefits for the soil and the plant. While the majority of the manures helps in improving the soil’s nitrogen level, some help in creating an extensive root structure to prevent soil erosion. Few of these organic manures are:

#. Soybeans

#. Clover

#. Rye

#. Lupin

#. Alfalfa

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Do you think that green manuring will benefit in organic farming? Let us know in the comment section below.

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