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       Sustainable Production of Fresh-Market
      Tomatoes and Other Summer Vegetables With Organic Mulches 
      The alternative production system described in this bulletin
      uses the winter annual legume hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.
      Roth) both as a cover crop and as a mulch in a sustainable tomato
      production system. As a cover, vetch serves to fix nitrogen,
      recycle nutrients, reduce soil erosion and compaction, and add
      organic matter to the soil. When converted to a mulch, the residue
      reduces weed emergence, increases organic matter content, reduces
      water loss from the soil, and acts as a slow-release fertilizer.
      Color, 23 pages. 
      While supplies last, single copies (in English or Spanish)
      may be ordered via e-mail from mcgahan@ars.usda.gov 
 
      Or by writing: 
      USDA/ARS
      Vegetable Lab 
      Rm. 213, B-10A  
      BARC-West  
      Beltsville, MD 20705
      Please provide your complete mailing address, including postal
      code.
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