Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) – a perennial herbaceous plant valued as a green manure crop and nectar source. Due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it enhances soil fertility, particularly on thin clayey, limey, and rocky surfaces. When planting, it is recommended to choose a well-drained area with sufficient sunlight; soil preparation involves tilling to a depth of 15–20 cm. The seeding rate ranges from 20 to 30 g of seeds per square meter, with 19–25 °C being optimal for germination.
In the agricultural sector, sainfoin is widely used as a fodder crop. Yield of green mass can reach 400 kg/ha, and hay – up to 60 kg/ha. Seeds are sown in early spring at a depth of 3–4 cm; normal seeding density is 80–100 kg/ha (pure form). The plant is sensitive to irrigation and is often grown in mixtures with grasses, which allows for two harvests with proper watering.
For beekeepers, sainfoin holds special value as a nectar source. Flowering begins in the second year of life and lasts 2.5–3 weeks, mainly in May–June. During this period, the plant can produce up to 300 kg/ha of honey. Nectar from its flowers is rich in beneficial properties, and the honey itself is of high quality. For maximum nectar production, plants must be regularly irrigated, especially during hot weather and periods of moisture deficit.
