Gröngödslings

Gröngödslings, also known as green manure, is a farming practice where crops are grown primarily to be incorporated into the soil while still green. This method is employed to improve soil fertility and structure. The plants used for green manure are typically legumes, such as clover, vetch, or peas, which have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Other non-leguminous plants like mustard or rye are also used, often for their biomass production or ability to suppress weeds and break up compacted soil.

The process involves sowing the green manure crop, allowing it to grow for a specific period, and then plowing or tilling it back into the soil before it sets seed. As the plant material decomposes, it releases nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, back into the soil, enriching it for subsequent crops. This decomposition process also adds organic matter, which enhances soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. Furthermore, green manuring can help to prevent soil erosion by covering the soil surface and stabilizing it with root systems. It is a sustainable agricultural technique that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and improves overall soil health.