Agronomic Performance and Nutrient Composition of Andropogon Tectorum as Influenced by Varied Inter-Row Spacing of Lablab Purpureus During a Minor Wet Season in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Interplanting of Lablab purpureus at 0.0m, 2.5m, 5m and 7.5m inter row spacing on agronomic performance and nutrient composition of Andropogon tectorum during a minor wet season in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria was examined. High plant height value of 274.00cm was observed at 2.5m Lablab purpureus spacing, and was similar to values obtained at 5.0 and 7.5m (267.89cm and 265.56cm respectively) but significantly  different (P<0.05) from the control (0.0m) treatment(229.99cm).

High Andropogon tectorum biomass value of 18,400kgha–1 was obtained at 2.5m legume  inter-row spacing and the control give the  least value of 9,800kg/ha.Dry matter contents of the forage were significantly different (P<0.05) except at 5.0m and 7.5m legume inter-row spacing that were similar(P>0.05). High crude fibre was observed at the sole Andropogon tectorum control stands (31.20%)  and decreasing with decrease  in legume inter row spacing, with the least value(27.20%) obtained in 2.5m legume inter-row spacing. The Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese and Copper (Na, Ca, K, P, Mg Fe and Cu) contents of Andropogon tectorum were observed to be decreasing with increase inter- row spacing of the legume. Closer legume inter-row spacing had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on the nutrient content of Andropogon tectorum.

Keywords: Andropogon tectorum, inter-row spacing, Lablab purpureus