Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) is a leguminous green manure crop widely used in India and other parts of Asia and Africa. It's known for its rapid growth and biomass production, making it a valuable crop for soil improvement and livestock feed. Dhaincha is particularly effective in waterlogged and saline soils, and it can be grown on various soil types. Key Details:

Green Manuring: Dhaincha is primarily grown as a green manure crop, where it's incorporated into the soil after sufficient growth, according to the Haryana Department of Agriculture. Soil Benefits: Incorporating Dhaincha into the soil improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, reduces soil erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter. Nitrogen Fixation: Dhaincha plants have nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, making it a "double-purpose" crop. Livestock Feed: It can also be used as fodder for livestock, particularly during times of scarcity. Seed Quality: Harvesting and threshing methods can affect seed quality, with manual harvesting and threshing showing higher seed recovery. Cultivation: Dhaincha is a short-day plant, and the vegetative period is shorter when sown in August or September, according to the TNAU Agritech Portal. Benefits of Dhaincha as Green Manure: Soil Enrichment: Decomposing Dhaincha releases nutrients, especially nitrogen, into the soil, improving soil fertility. Weed Suppression: The dense growth of Dhaincha can suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Soil Aeration: Decomposing Dhaincha improves soil aeration, promoting better root growth for subsequent crops.