Table 1.2-8. Nitrogen removal by legumes.

Legume crop
(no nitrogen
application
recommended)
Pounds of N
removed/unit
of yield
Pounds of N
removed/A
Comments
Alfalfa (5 tons/A) 50 250 Although legumes will use N from manure and other sources, applying N may increase the competition from weeds and grasses. If you apply manure, limit it to an application rate that balances the crop’s P requirement.
Soybeans (40 bu/A) 3.2 130 Although legumes will use N from manure and other sources, applying N may increase the competition from weeds and grasses. If you apply manure, limit it to an application rate that balances the crop’s P requirement.
Trefoil (3.5 tons/A) 50 175 Although legumes will use N from manure and other sources, applying N may increase the competition from weeds and grasses. If you apply manure, limit it to an application rate that balances the crop’s P requirement.
Clover (3.5 tons/A) 40 140 Although legumes will use N from manure and other sources, applying N may increase the competition from weeds and grasses. If you apply manure, limit it to an application rate that balances the crop’s P requirement.