Clovers for nitrogen fixation

[gatewood]

I'm a simple homegrower and I've been using legumes for nitrogen fixation for some time, which has saved me the hassle and money of applying ammonia fertilizer.

Now, I've recently become aware that clovers are too, legumes, and they too, form nitrogen nodules for nitrogen fixation and I came with the idea of:

1. Growing it on bags that allow me easy access to root systems.

2. Prune some of the roots.

3. Throw these nitrogen rich roots into compost, to enrich it (which can help a lot in places where food scraps are scarce).

You think this is a good idea? Is it worthwhile?

 

[Bogweevil]

Yes, that might have some benefit but the root nitrogen goes to the leaves so mowing and composting foliage would be less stressful for the plant, just as effective at utilizing the nitrogen and much easier.

 

[gatewood]

ooohhh, even better. Thanks for the input

 

[tr250]

Sounds labour intensive to me

 

[gatewood]

Yes, its definitely not optimal, I just wanted to have a proof of concept.

 

[Bogweevil]

Rootgrow, a company that sells mycorhizal beneficial fungi raises the fungi in tubs sown with clover. There could, possibly, be some benefits to clover roots above the nitrogen content of they are mycorhizal.

 

[gatewood]

Hmmm... interesting. In that case, the roots may be used to inoculate dirt with mycorrhizal species.