Sunhemp (1KG)

Description

Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) Seeds

Product Description:

Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) is a fast-growing legume known for its ability to improve soil fertility and provide high-quality forage for livestock. Often used as a green manure crop, Sunhemp is valued for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which enrich the soil by increasing organic matter and enhancing soil structure. It is also used as forage in grazing systems, silage, and hay production. Sunhemp is well-suited for a wide range of climates and soil types and is commonly used in crop rotation, erosion control, and as a cover crop.

Product Characteristics Summary:

🌱 Agronomic Information:

• Plant Type: Annual legume, typically growing to 1–2 meters in height with erect stems and large, bright yellow flowers.
• Growth Habit: Fast-growing with an upright, bushy habit that forms a dense canopy. Sunhemp can be used as a cover crop or for forage.
• Root System: Deep root system that enhances soil aeration and structure, helping to prevent soil compaction.

🌾 Forage Quality:

• Forage Yield: Can produce 4,000–8,000 kg of dry matter per hectare under optimal conditions.
• Nutritional Value: High in fiber and protein, with an average protein content of 10–12%. Provides good nutritional value for livestock, especially when used as part of a balanced diet.
• Palatability: Generally palatable to livestock, though it is often used in combination with other forage crops.

🌞 Resilience & Adaptability:

• Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-rainfall areas or during dry seasons.
• Climate Suitability: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-drained loamy soils but can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Best grown in soils with a pH of 6–7.
• Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to frost, especially during the early growth stages, and does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

🌍 Suitability:

• Green Manure & Soil Fertility: Excellent for improving soil fertility, as it fixes nitrogen and adds organic matter to the soil. Commonly used in crop rotation systems.
• Grazing Systems: Can be grazed by livestock but is often used as part of a mixed forage system.
• Cover Crop: Ideal for preventing soil erosion, controlling weeds, and improving soil health when used as a cover crop during the off-season.
• Silage & Hay Production: Suitable for silage or hay, particularly in regions with warm climates.

🌱 Special Attributes:

• Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, Sunhemp is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil for subsequent crops.
• Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit makes it an effective cover crop for preventing soil erosion on slopes and vulnerable areas.
• Fast Growth: Sunhemp matures quickly, typically within 60 to 90 days, providing rapid benefits for soil health and forage production.
• Versatility: Used in a variety of applications, from improving soil health to providing forage and serving as a cover crop.