Greener
Journal of  Agricultural Sciences
Vol. 2 (5),
pp. 224-232,
September
2012

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research
Paper

Manuscript
Number:GJAS1251

 

Influence of Sowing Methods and Densities during
Establishment on Growth, Dry Matter Yield and Persistence of
Tephrosia Species

 

Mbomi S. E.^1*, Oben F. T.²,
^{Adetimirin V. O.3 and}

Lamare D. M.⁴

 

¹Institute
of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Batoke, PMB
77 Limbe, Cameroon

²University
of Dschang, Dschang Cameroon

³University
of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria

⁴
IRAD Yaounde, B.P. 1457 Yaounde

 

Corresponding Author’s Email: mbomisailieh @ yahoo. co. uk,
Phone:

(+237) 77 12 59 96

Abstract:

The study was to investigate planting methods and seeding
rates appropriate for early growth (height, dry matter and
persistence of three Tephrosia species. It was a 3 x
3 x 2 factorial experiment in a split – split plot design
replicated 4 times, at an altitude of 1300m a.s.l. The
Tephrosia species were; T. candida T. purpurea and T.
vogelii. Planting methods were broadcasting, drilling
and space planting while planting densities were 10kg/ha and
20kg/ha. Leaf retention on the plant in the dry season was
scored on scale of 0 (no leaves on the plant) to 9 (most or
all leaves on the plant). The highest plant height (207.32
cm) was observed with T. purpurea and least (106.51
cm) with T. candida. Plants were tallest (172.59 cm)
under drilling and least (106.51 cm) under broadcasting.
Planting density did not significantly influence plant
height. Leaf retention by T. candida was
significantly higher (P <0.05) than those of T. purpurea
and T. vogelii. Leaf retention was highest under
broadcasting planting method. T. purpurea and T.
vogelii produced more litter than T. candida.
Planting methods did not influence the amount of litter
produced by the species. In terms of growth as measured by
plant height, and DM yields, T. purpurea and T.
vogelii performed better than T. candida. T.
purpurea and T. vogelii are recommended for soil
fertility improvement while T. candida could be used as
browse under adverse climatic conditions.

 

Keywords:  Dry matter, Growth, leaf scoring, litter
fall, Seedling vigour, Tephrosia species

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