Uses and Benefits of Sunn Hemp Seeds
Sunn Hemp, scientifically known as Crotalaria Juncea, is basically a green manure used as a cover crop for revitalizing poor land.
Sunn Hemp, scientifically known as Crotalaria Juncea, is basically a green manure used as a cover crop for revitalizing poor land. It is a fast growing nitrogen fixing legume, whose seeds are used as organic fertilizers and are completely damage free. This tropical legume grows over 6 feet tall within 60 days of being planted. Its origin can be traced back to India, where it has been a part of agricultural practices for ages. Sunn Hemp can be directly consumed by certain animals, while its miraculous properties are beneficial for soil and other crops grown on that soil also. Let us understand its benefits and uses in detail:
* Sunn Hemp Seed is used as a soil improvement or green manure crop because of its ability to produce large amounts of biomass in a short duration; that is in a matter of 60-90 days.
* Use of these seeds can reduce soil erosion, improve the fertility of soil, conserve soil water and recover plant nutrients.
* Sunn Hemp Seeds produce 10 pounds of phosphorous, 80 pounds of potash, 100 pounds of nitrogen and four tons of organic matter within 60 days of plantation. If grown in appropriate conditions during the summers, this crop can produce these components in double amounts within the same time frame.
* By making the soil highly fertile, this plant facilitates better cultivation of other crops and thereby yields higher cash value for them.
* It makes the soil more tolerant against drought conditions.
* The crop has few pest and pathogen problems, which is something to be relieved about for the farmers.
* Use of Sunn Hemp Seeds suppresses growth of weeds, root-knot and nematodes making it useful to be grown alongside other crops.
* It is not only a poor host to most parasites and nematodes, but also releases toxic compounds to eliminate the existing key nematode pests.
* It is to be used after early season vegetables, tobacco, corns and other small grains.
* The leaves of Sunn Hemp crop contain 30% protein and are a meal thrived upon by both goats and deer.
* This crop serves as an alternative to winter legume cover crop as an organic matter builder and symbiotic nitrogen producing legume.