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can i dig in sweet peas when they finish producing flowers, as i would with garden peas , to help replace nitrogen ?




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Sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus, is a member of the legume family and can fix nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen fixation occurs when specialized strains of bacteria (rhizobia) infect the roots of legumes (beans, peas, clover, vetch, alfalfa, lupins, sweet clover, etc.). Nodulation occurs when the legume roots form a growth, called a nodule, around the bacteria. Within the nodules, the bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable plant compounds (such as ammonia and nitrate). After the plant flowers, the nitrogen moves from the roots into the seeds. Eventually the legume dies and releases the stored nitrogen as it decomposes. About half of the nitrogen will be released within a year after incorporation into the soil. The rest of the nitrogen will be released over a period of a few years.

17 Jun, 2015

 

so yes you can dig them in.

18 Jun, 2015

 

Also you can collect the seeds for next years planting as I do -- Nitrogen what's that ? lol

18 Jun, 2015

 

Many thanks for answering my question . As i said i just couldnt find the answer.

18 Jun, 2015

How do I say thanks?

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