Crotalaria Juncea (Sunn Hemp) is grown at the farm as a green manure crop at designated areas (stalks of yellow flowers seen on the right in the photo above). It has strong tap roots and can be used for livestock forage. Its rich biomass helps build soil and inject nitrogen into the ground. Nature’s gift to fertilising the soil. More importantly, it serves as an excellent ground cover to outcompete weeds.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The seeds are poisonous to pigs, chickens and cattle, causing damage to liver, lung and nervous system if ingested at a high rate. Goats have the lowest risk. Knowing this, chickens should not be allowed into the fields after the plant has gone into seeding. There should be a little planning that goes into managing movements of animals when they arrive.
However, sunn hemp will be used primarily as a fodder for goats. The leaves are over 30% nitrogen/protein, a welcoming boon for a healthy herd of goats which would arrive at the farm in 3 months time. Until then, it’s all about getting myself familiarise with it.
