Some species are are highly palatable to deer, other less so. Look for species that are less tasty! Depending on where you live, Sorghum, Sudangrass, and millet might be options.

“Cover crops” work well in cropland or raised beds. The are often grazed as part of the termination process before the next crop is planted. If you are looking to establish a more productive pasture, you might look for plants that work will in an established pasture like clover. Species that will work both as a pasture plant and a nitrogen fixing species. If you can rent or borrow a no-till drill, you could seed directly into the established field without killing the established plants.

Your plan sounds good. The 1st key to cover crops is getting them in the ground while temperatures are warm enough for the seeds to germinate and establish. I always recommend before Oct 15th. The second is termination in the spring. Cut the peas and cover the beds with a heavy tarp in the spring to jump start decomposition of above and below ground material for at least 2 weeks. Might have to work around or harvest the winter veggies. 🙂

All legumes, including beans, will replenish the soil with Nitrogen. The amount will depend on the species and their maturity. They have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that converts atmospheric nitrogen to ammonium nitrate. 24 – 74 lbs of N per acre is a good range but I have seen higher.

Don’t members of the family Fabaceae (beans) replenish the soil with nitrogen?