SEED PRODUCTION OF SULLA - A PLANT FOR SOIL CONSERVATION

Abstract

Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) is suitable for soil conservation work because it fixes nitrogen, grows satisfactorily over a wide range of soil conditions and tolerates drought and coastal conditions. A nursery trial conducted on a Manawatu fine sandy loam examined the effect of sowing rates (20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and dehulling seed on establishment and forage and seed production. While increasing seed rate and dehulling seed resulted in more rapid establishment (higher plant densities, ground cover and canopy height) they did not affect forage or seed yields at harvest six months later. Keywords: sulla, soil conservation, hulling.