Sunn hemp is an excellent choice for a summer cover crop for Florida growers because it returns nitrogen to the soil, suppresses weeds and nematodes, improves soil tilth and water holding capacity, and reduces erosion in fields otherwise left without plant cover. Sunn hemp forms a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that remove nitrogen (N) gas from the atmosphere and transforms N to plant-available forms.
This article summarizes the recommended cultural practices to help vegetable growers grow a successful summer cover crop and to optimize the amount of nitrogen that is returned to a vegetable crop.