Publication Date
1997
Description
The forage productivity of sole plots of Stylosanthes capitata and Stylosanthes hamata in comparison with various proportional mixtures of the two legumes and their effect on soil properties and subsequent maize yield were studied in subhumid Nigeria. Dry matter (DM) yields in the mixtures were higher than in the sole stands, with the mixtures of S. hamata and S. capitata reaching 11959 to 14822 kg/ha over a three year period. Total nitrogen and/or organic carbon concentrations in the soil following the three years of legume were higher in the mixtures than in the sole stands, and this resulted in higher maize yields. Though having nodulation problems in monoculture, S. capitata could be utilized as a component in mixtures of complementary legumes. The beneficial effects of such mixtures for both forage and crop production and their potential for croplivestock production systems are discussed.
Citation
Tarawali, G and Peters, M, "Compatibility of Stylosanthes hamata and Stylosanthes capitata in Mixed Pastures in the Subhumid Zone of Nigeria" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 27.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session19/27
Included in
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Compatibility of Stylosanthes hamata and Stylosanthes capitata in Mixed Pastures in the Subhumid Zone of Nigeria
The forage productivity of sole plots of Stylosanthes capitata and Stylosanthes hamata in comparison with various proportional mixtures of the two legumes and their effect on soil properties and subsequent maize yield were studied in subhumid Nigeria. Dry matter (DM) yields in the mixtures were higher than in the sole stands, with the mixtures of S. hamata and S. capitata reaching 11959 to 14822 kg/ha over a three year period. Total nitrogen and/or organic carbon concentrations in the soil following the three years of legume were higher in the mixtures than in the sole stands, and this resulted in higher maize yields. Though having nodulation problems in monoculture, S. capitata could be utilized as a component in mixtures of complementary legumes. The beneficial effects of such mixtures for both forage and crop production and their potential for croplivestock production systems are discussed.
