Tephrosia Candida (Roxb.) DC., (White Hoary pea or Himalayan Hoary pea): a Review on Its Potential as a Bio Mulch

Abstract: Tephrosia candida, commonly known as the white hoary pea, is a perennial green manure crop native to India, belonging to the Leguminosae family. Tephrosia candida is widely distributed across numerous tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. It hosts rhizobia, a gram-negative nitrogen-fixing bacterium that converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH3) through a process known as nitrogen fixation. This species is renowned for its insecticidal properties because of a compound called rotenoids, which is responsible for effectively eliminating predatory fish and insects. The leaf biomass of Tephrosia candida contains significantly higher levels of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca2+), and major micronutrients. This paper reviewed Tephrosia candidas properties as an effective bio-mulch for improving soil physical, biological and chemical properties ultimately leading to improvements in crop yield and quality.