Crotalaria Uses and Tips at Plantar em Casa
What is crotalaria and what is it used for?
Crotalaria is a legume from the Fabaceae family that has several species. Widely used for green manure, it has rapid growth and a taproot system. This means that its root penetrates the soil vertically, favoring nutrient absorption.
Crotalaria controls soil nematodes and is also excellent at biological nitrogen fixation. The consequence of this is that you need to use less nitrogen fertilizers in the crop. Its cycle lasts from 170 to 180 days.
This legume is a tropical species and has low resistance to cold. However, it resists drought and high temperatures well. It produces toxic compounds that prevent the movement of nematodes in the crop.
When to plant crotalaria?
Crotalaria is planted between October and November, during the spring. For *Crotalaria spectabilis*, however, the planting season is different: if you choose this species, plant between October and March.
You can broadcast or sow in rows, and prepare the soil as if you were cultivating sugarcane. The behavior of these species is similar. Furthermore, cultivation can be monoculture or intercropped with forage grasses.
Spacing and depth
The ideal spacing for Crotalaria is between 25 cm and 50 cm. The ideal sowing depth should be 2 cm to 3 cm.
It is extremely important to distribute between 25 and 30 seeds per linear meter. Also, remember not to over-irrigate, because the crop adapts well to sandy and drier soils.
Disease control
The main diseases that occur in Crotalaria are anthracnose, vascular wilt, stem rot, and powdery mildew.
These diseases can greatly compromise the development of the crop. The most recommended method for reducing diseases is chemical control, especially with fungicides.
It is important to emphasize that each of these diseases is caused by a different fungus. Choose the fungicide based on the disease present in your crop to ensure effective control.
Pest Control
The crotalaria caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix) is the main pest that attacks this legume. It is usually present mainly in the inflorescence and pod stages of the plant.
If you intend to use crotalaria seeds, use contact insecticides. Physiological insecticides also work in these cases.
It can reduce the leaf area and harm seed production. For the control of this pest, the most appropriate management is the use of insecticides from the moment you notice its presence in the crop.
What are the types of crotalaria?
There are three main types of crotalaria: Spectabilis, Juncea, and Ochroleuca. See how to incorporate them into your farming system.
Crotalaria spectabilis
Spectabilis seeds contain abundant amounts of proteins. The main ones are peroxidases, cysteine proteases, and cysteine protease inhibitors.
These substances are significant in reducing lesion nematode populations (P. brachyurus). Research has proven their potential in controlling cyst nematodes.
This species has some specific characteristics:
Planting season is from October to November in most of Brazil;
For broadcast sowing, approximately 15 kg/ha is recommended;
Biological nitrogen fixation between 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha.
Crotalaria juncea
Crotalaria juncea is a tropical species. This is the species that produces the most biomass. It also contributes to the production system by improving soil organic matter and microbiota.
This species became quite famous for its role in combating dengue fever. It attracts dragonflies, which are predators of the mosquito that transmits the disease.
The specific characteristics of this species are:
Ideal planting season from September to March in most of Brazil.
For broadcast sowing, approximately 30 kg/ha is recommended.
Full flowering of this species occurs between 107 and 157 days;
The plant height can exceed 2 meters;
Its roots are quite long (about 50 cm);
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