Plants of the legume family used for livestock feed, grazing, hay, or silage. Legume forages are usually richer in protein, calcium, and phosphorus than other kinds of forages, such as grass. The production, preservation, and use of forage legumes require special skills on most soils. One important requirement is a supply of the needed symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria if these are not already in the soil commercial cultures for various strains of these bacteria can be purchased and applied to the legume seed just before planting. Additional lime and commercial fertilizers may be needed on all except fertile soils. Protection from weeds, injurious insects, diseases, and other harmful influences is often required.