How to build soil fertility using sunhemp

Using Sun Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) to build soil is a great organic approach to improving soil health, fertility, and structure. Here’s how it benefits the soil and how you can integrate it into your farming system:

Benefits of Using Sun Hemp for Soil Building
Nitrogen Fixation – Sun hemp is a legume that fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient.
Organic Matter Addition – Its fast-growing biomass adds significant organic material to the soil, improving soil structure and water retention.
Soil Protection – Acts as a cover crop, preventing soil erosion and reducing weed pressure.
Improves Soil Aeration – Its deep roots break up compacted soils, enhancing aeration and drainage.
Suppresses Nematodes & Pests – Produces natural compounds that reduce soil-borne pests and nematodes.
Rapid Growth – Can reach maturity in 60–90 days, making it an excellent short-term soil-building crop.
How to Use Sun Hemp for Soil Building
1. As a Cover Crop
Best Time to Plant: Before or after the main crop, or during a fallow period.
Sowing Rate: 15–25 kg per hectare.
Growth Period: Let it grow for 6–8 weeks before cutting it down.
Incorporation: Either chop and drop it as mulch or till it into the soil to decompose.
2. Intercropping with Fruit Trees
Plant Sun Hemp between rows of fruit trees to enrich the soil with nitrogen and organic matter while suppressing weeds.
3. Green Manure
Before flowering, cut the plants and mix them into the topsoil. It decomposes quickly and releases nutrients for the next crop.
4. Companion Planting
Can be planted alongside crops like maize or coffee to improve soil fertility while reducing pest issues.

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