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    GrassLopata

    Sunn Hemp

    Produces significant amounts of nitrogen in 60 days depending on conditions

    Sunn Hemp cover crop legume seed is a warm season legume, upright and quick in its growth habit. Sunn Hemp needs 60°F soil temps before it can planted and will kill at the first signs of frost. Higher seeding rates of Sunn hemp will help with weed suppression.

     

     

    CHARACTERISTICS:

    Non-Forage Benefits:
    1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

    Compaction Alleviation: 2
    Weed Suppression: 4
    Biomass Production: 5
    Erosion Control: 3
    Disease/Pest Control: 3
    Pollinator/Beneficials: 4
    P & K Cycling: 3
    Ease of Establishment: 3

    Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Fixer

    Nutritional Value:
    Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

    Crude Protein: 25
    NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: Varies Greatly
    ADF%²: Varies Greatly
    NDF%³: Varies Greatly
    TDN: Varies Greatly
    DM Tons/Acre: 1-5
    Days to First Harvest: 40-45
    Days to Next Harvest: –

    ¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
    ²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
    ³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

    Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
    Graze: Better
    Baleage: Good
    Chop: Best

     

     

    MANAGEMENT:

    Considerations

    • Prefers soil pH levels above 6 (6–7)
    • Kills at first frost, or control by mowing or herbicide at first flower for maximum benefit
    • Residue (green manure) should be incorporated while still green
    • In far southern areas (below 28° latitude), sunn hemp will produce seed which can be toxic to livestock

     

    • Produces significant amounts of nitrogen in 60 days depending on conditions
    • Tolerant of dry conditions and low fertility
    • Can add up to 5,000+ lbs. of biomass per acre in 7-8 weeks
    • Research has shown levels of nematode suppression (root knot, borrowing)