OTHER-LUPIN LEGUME (53G)

How to grow Lupin Legumes

1. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
2. Till the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) to loosen it and remove any weeds or debris.
   • Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
3. Broadcast a handfull of lupin seeds over the prepared soil in your garden to roughly 1 handfull per sq meter, and cover lightly with soil. 
   •  If farming broadcast the soil surface at a rate of 30-50 kg per hectare (27-45 lbs per acre) for cover crops and green manure, and 75-100 kg per hectare (68-90 lbs per acre) for forage crops.
4. Lupins are nitrogen-fixing legumes, so they generally do not require additional nitrogen fertiliser.
   • However, a balanced fertiliser such as 10-10-10 can be applied before planting to provide necessary nutrients.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, typically 7-10 days.
   • Provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week, especially during dry spells.
6. Thin lupin seedlings to a spacing of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) apart once they reach a height of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) to promote healthy growth if they are growing too close together.
7. Monitor the area regularly and remove any weeds that compete with lupins for nutrients and space.
8. Lupins thrive in temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F) for optimal growth.
   • For cover crops and green manure, lupins can be incorporated into the soil when they reach full bloom, typically after 70-90 days.
   • For forage crops, lupins can be harvested for hay or silage when they reach a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches), usually 90-120 days after planting.
9. Rotate lupins with other crops in subsequent growing seasons to improve soil health and prevent disease buildup. Or plant with other green manuer crops for a mixed green manuer crop.

Additional tips for growing Lupin Legumes

1. Companion Planting:  Plant lupin alongside other legumes like clover or beans.  This can enhance nitrogen fixation in the soil, as the plants synergize and improve soil fertility more effectively than when grown alone.
2. Micronutrient Boost:  Sprinkle a light dusting of wood ash over the planting area. Wood ash is rich in potassium, which supports lupin growth and helps in better nutrient uptake.
3. Pre-soaking Seeds:  Soak lupin seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This can soften the seed coat, leading to faster and more uniform germination. However as I have mentioned when growing soy beans, soaking can rot the seed if then planted into wet soil.  So plant into dry soil if you soak the seeds and moist soil if you don’t soak the seeds.  But experiment and see what works best.
4. Use of Mycorrhizal Fungi:  Inoculate lupin seeds with mycorrhizal fungi before planting. These beneficial fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water absorption, and improving plant health and growth.  I supply some innoculant with each seed packet.  I don’t sell large quantities of lupins or innoculant for farms but I can get it if preordered.
5. Cover Cropping Rotation:   Rotate lupin with deep-rooted cover crops like radishes. Radishes break up compacted soil layers, and following them with lupins ensures better root penetration and nitrogen fixation. Daikon Radish are good for this purpose.
6. Mulching with Straw:  After planting, cover the soil with a thin layer of straw mulch. This helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds, creating a favourable environment for lupin growth.
7. Early Mowing:   If lupin plants grow too tall and begin to shade each other excessively, mow them back (if in an open area) to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). Or cut back if in a garden bed.  This encourages bushier growth and prevents them from becoming too leggy.
8. Intercropping with Non-Legumes:   Grow lupin alongside non-legume crops like barley or oats. This combination can improve overall soil structure and nutrient availability, benefiting both types of plants. 
9. Pest Repellent Plants:   Surround lupin fields with plants known to repel pests, such as marigolds or garlic. This can help reduce the likelihood of pest infestations without the need for chemical treatments.
10. Biochar Amendment:   Mix a small amount of biochar into the soil before planting lupin. Biochar enhances soil fertility by improving nutrient retention and providing a habitat for beneficial microorganisms.  Or you can add our Old Forrest Carbon  or Soil Conditioner for overall improved soil fertility.

Heritage of Lupin Legumes

Lupins have a long-standing heritage in agriculture, dating back centuries. Originating from the Mediterranean region, these versatile legumes have been cultivated for their valuable contributions to soil fertility, weed suppression, and livestock nutrition. As cover crops and green manure, lupins have played a crucial role in crop rotation systems, enriching the soil with nitrogen through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Their deep taproots help break up compacted soils and improve drainage, while their dense foliage suppresses weeds, reducing the need for herbicides. Additionally, lupins serve as valuable forage crops, providing nutritious feed for livestock and enhancing pasture quality. Over the years, lupins have adapted to various climates and soil conditions, becoming integral to sustainable farming practices worldwide. Today, their heritage lives on as farmers continue to harness their agronomic and ecological benefits in modern agricultural systems.

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