Lucerne as a Living Mulch: Benefits and Management

Lucerne is a perennial, deep-rooted fodder plant valued for its long lifespan, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in deep, non-acidic, undrained soils. It supports soil health and is suitable for integration into most crop rotations, except those involving legumes like peas, beans, or lentils due to the risk of Aphanomyces infection. Winter-dormant varieties are recommended for late spring sowing, minimizing winter competition. It is unsuitable in areas with bracted broomrape, which can be promoted by lucerne. Sowing density should be reduced to 6–8 kg/ha when used as a cover crop. The plant exhibits low winter growth, strong spring and summer growth, and moderate fall activity. Chemical control is effective in rapeseed but difficult in wheat and maize. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme (grant No. 727217).