* Vetch's Ancient History: Vetch (a type of legume) has been cultivated for food and fodder for centuries. Its use likely predates recorded history, with evidence suggesting it was used in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
* Regional Variations: Vetch cultivation likely spread over time and across different regions. The timing of its adoption would have varied based on local agricultural practices and available knowledge.
* Modern Usage: While vetch has been used historically, its modern use as a cover crop and for soil health has increased in recent decades, driven by the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Therefore, we can't give a definitive year. Instead, we can say that vetch has been cultivated for a very long time, with its use in agriculture likely dating back to ancient civilizations.