Crotolaria (Sunn Hemp)
Crotolaria (Crotolaria juncea) also commonly referred to as Sunn Hemp is a fast growing annual herbaceous leguminous plant (in the Fabaceae family) with a 5-7 week growth cycle reaching a height of 1.8 m. The species is believed to have originated from India and Pakistan but is now widely grown in many tropical and sub-tropical regions as fodder for livestock, a green manure and for its soil health improving properties. Among the crotolaria varieties currently available, Crescent Sun is especially notable for its higher biomass production and attendant benefits.
Characteristic/ management | Remarks |
Growth habit | Herbaceous. An annual plant with a 5-7 week growth cycle during which it can attain a height of 1.8 m. Has upright growth with some branching on the main stem. |
Adaptation | Fast growing; competitive against weeds; drought tolerant and can crown in areas with annual rains as low as 200 mm; heat tolerant; grows well on diverse soil types; able to nodulate with rhizobia strains present in most soils; has few pathogen and pest problems |
Benefits | Soil fertility and soil health improving properties
Fodder for livestock
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Seed requirement and planting | Seed rate: 15-20 kg/ha (spaced out drilled sowing at 30 cm in between rows) and 30-40 kg/ha (broadcast planting or zero tillage); Plant seeds in a finely prepared bed at 1-2 cm depth and cover lightly with soil. The soil should be sufficiently moist at the time of planting to maximize germination |
Maturity period | 5-7 weeks (days to harvest/cut or incorporation into soil after germination). |
Utilization options |
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Fodder nutritional quality Palatability | High palatability. High digestibility. Has protein content of 18-22%. |