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The Effect of Frequency of Defoliation on the Productivity of Selected Forage Legumes (Stylosanthes hamata, Stylosanthes capitataand Centrosema pascuorum) in the Sub-humid Zone of Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

G. Tarawali
Affiliation:
International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), Subhumid Research Site, PMB 2248, Kaduna, Nigeria
M. A. Mohamed-Saleem
Affiliation:
Highlands Programme, ILCA, Addis Ababa, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
P. C. Chionuma
Affiliation:
International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), Subhumid Research Site, PMB 2248, Kaduna, Nigeria

Summary

The dry matter yield, nutritive value and persistence of three legume species (Stylosanthes hamata Taub., S. capitata Vog. and Centrosema pascuorum Mart. ex. Benth.) cut at different frequencies during the growing season or only once at the end of the growing season were compared. The shorter cutting intervals enhanced regrowth, but very frequent cutting reduced total dry matter and seed yields. A defoliation interval of three to six weeks is recommended. Generally, S. hamata gave the best performance.

Efecto del deshoje en tres legumbres

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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