1,000 Sunn Hemp Cover Crop
Sunn Hemp or Crotalaria Juncea has quickly become an extremely popular choice for soil improvement, green mulch and most impressively, nematode suppression. Poor soils exist in many areas but speaking from experience myself, the soil in Florida is very sandy, low in nutrients and prone to root-knot nematode infestation.
Sunn Hemp is known to release compounds called glucosinolates when its plant tissues break down. These compounds can act as natural biofumigants. When incorporated into the soil, glucosinolates break down into toxic compounds, such as isothiocyanates. These compounds are harmful to nematodes and can reduce their populations in the soil.
The extensive root system of Sunn Hemp creates a physical barrier in the soil. Nematodes typically move through the soil and feed on plant roots. The dense and fibrous root structure of Sunn Hemp can hinder nematodes’ ability to reach and feed on the roots of other crops.
In addition to nematode suppression, Sunn Hemp is a nitrogen-fixing legume, which means it forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, promoting healthier and more robust plant growth. Stronger, healthier plants may be more resistant to nematode damage. The soil is more nitrogen rich than before you planted the sunn hemp!
Sunn Hemp also produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth and reproduction of nematodes or other soil pests. These chemicals can be toxic or growth-inhibiting to nematodes.
Many people use this is a “chop and drop” crop where the soil is enriched by the nitrogen fixing properties of the plant and then leaving the plants in place after chopping or mowing enriches the soil even further. them. In as little as 60 to 90 days it can produce 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre and can suppress weeds up to 90 percent.
I had a serious problem with root knot nematodes after the demise of my beloved mulberry tree. (I since planted a nematode resistant variety) and most things I planted in the area after that would also meet their demise after a couple of months, so I tried the sunn hemp and it worked! Everything I have planted in that area since, has thrived.
Sunn hemp is an annual that can reach 9 feet tall
Seeds can be planted anywhere from spring to 60 days before your first frost. However, temperatures do need to be above 50 degrees.
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*All information is provided for educational purposes only.
