The study aimed to evaluate different legumes used as green manure in Northern Minas Gerais, focusing on their soil coverage potential and nutrient content. Various legumes were planted and monitored for growth, nutrient accumulation, and soil coverage. Results showed that crotalaria had the tallest growth, while mucuna-cinza and spontaneous vegetation provided the best soil coverage. The highest fresh biomass was seen in spontaneous vegetation, crotalaria, and feijao-de-porco. Crotalaria and spontaneous vegetation had the highest nutrient content in their above-ground parts. Crotalaria was most efficient in extracting various nutrients, while spontaneous vegetation excelled in extracting potassium, magnesium, and iron.