Hello, this is the first year I planted crimson clover and fava bean to condition soil. I have been pleasantly surprised how much I am enjoying how beautiful these cover crops are. Originally, I was thinking I would let them grow and pull them out or turn them under before they go to seed.
Now, I just want to let them grow through their whole life cycle. I don't mind if they drop seed in the places they are growing as I can always clear little sections where I want to plant other things.
I am wondering what the drawback is to this approach and if anyone knows whether letting the plants go to seed would mean a net loss of nitrogen in the soil? In other words, would I lose the soil conditioning benefits if the plants continued through their life cycle?
Thanks!