Vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformis under differing P fertiliser applications in Namibia
Abstract
214 words
The level of N fixation from effectively nodulated legumes depends on the growth rate of
the legume and upon soil conditions. The main objective of this study was to compare the
vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformis under differing P fertiliser
application rates. A randomized block design was used during the growing season of December
2013 – April 2014 in a two-way factorial experiment consisting of two legumes (L.
purpureus, C. ensiformis) and single super phosphate applied by placement below the
seed at planting (0 and 11.5 kg/ha). The growth of the legumes was monitored over a period
of 2 months (April – May 2014). There were differences (P <.0001) in growth rates (increase
in height) of the legumes and between differing P fertiliser application rates (P < .05), but
there was no legume x fertiliser interaction (P > .05). The least square means of growth
rates (cm/day) of legumes were .193 ± .014 with no P application and .257 ± .016 with P
application. C. ensiformis grew faster (P < .05) than L. purpureus (.276 ± .014 versus .257
± .016 cm/day). The preliminary results of this study suggest that under Namibian conditions,
with lose sandy soils, direct placement of P fertiliser close to the seed is more efficient than
broadcasting.
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