Green manure “involves the soil incorporation of any field or forage crop while green or soon after flowering for the purpose of soil improvement.” (Sullivan, 2003) Green manures are effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers in the management and preservation of soil fertility and productivity, adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil as well as protecting surface soil from damage due to wind, rain and sun. Characteristics of green manures include a crop that is fast growing with rapid decomposition and quick nutrient release. Green manures may be applied directly, leaving it on the soil as mulch, or composted before application and can serve a dual purpose as a source of green manure and as a source of food. Some green manures can be used as animal feed with the resulting animal manure used as fertilizer. A new focus is the production of fibers or forage allowing for greater and varied uses of green manure and an increase in its benefits.