Where furrow irrigation is used, they are disked before the soil dries excessively to enable the disk to penetrate the soil. Bell beans produce vigorous, upright growth. Vetches are frequently used, but may twine up vines, trees, or sprinklers if planted too close. Also, if allowed to reseed they may become a weed problem in the rows. Lana' woollypod is one of the most vigorous vetches in the spring and flowers and matures earlier than purple vetch.
Common vetch has extrafloral nectaries on the stipules, which provide nectar to beneficial insects.
Cahaba white vetch has been shown to suppress root knot nematodes. The addition of grasses, such as barley, oats, or cereal rye in a mix imparts several benefits. The fibrous roots of grasses greatly enhance soil tilth and water penetration. Grasses also take up excess nitrogen from the soil, improving the growth and nitrogen-fixing ability of the legumes. Lastly, grasses provide structural support for the twining vetches and peas.