A green manure crop is used primarily as a soil amendment and a nutrient source for subsequent crops. The positive role of green manuring in crop production has been known since ancient time. Organic matter is the life of the soil because it  contains all the essential elements required for plant growth. Well-stored farmyard manure is most important of all organic manures, but it is not available in sufficient quantity. Moreover, soil degradation is the principal cause of a continuous decrease in crop production at present. Importance of this soil ameliorating practice is increasing in recent years because of high cost of chemical fertilizers, increased risk of environmental pollution, and need of sustainable cropping systems. Green manuring can improve soil physical, chemical and biological properties and consequently crop yields. It also serves as food for soil micobiota. The objective of this article is to review recent advances in green manuring practice, in the context of potential benefits and drawbacks in use of this practice for annual crop production and sustain soil health.
Keywords: Green manuring; Organic matter; Crop production; Soil health