green manure

noun

, Agriculture.

1. a crop of growing plants, as clover and other nitrogen-fixing plants, plowed under to enrich the soil.
2. manure that has not undergone decay.

green manure

noun

1. a growing crop that is ploughed under to enrich the soil
2. manure that has not yet decomposed

green manure

1. A growing crop, such as clover or grass, that is plowed under the soil to improve fertility. Green manure can also reduce erosion and, if the crop is leguminous, add nitrogen to the soil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of green manure¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Many plants have been employed as green manure, and different opinions have been expressed as to their relative values.

From Project Gutenberg

Green manure crops may be grown at any time that the soil is not occupied by other crops, provided other conditions are suitable.

From Project Gutenberg

If there is a long interval of time during spring or summer when the land is bare, that is a good time for a green manure crop.

From Project Gutenberg

By using the legumes for our green manure crops we may supply the soil with nitrogen taken from the air.

From Project Gutenberg

The Canadian Field Pea is sometimes grown in the north as a green manure crop.

From Project Gutenberg