Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences

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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