Pre-sowing treatment, agronomic performance and nutritive potential of <i>Tephrosia bracteolate</i> (<i>Guill. et Perr.</i>) at four different stages of growth

Abstract

Presowing treatments, agronomic performance and nutrients profile of Tephrosia bracteolata at different stages of growth were assessed. Six presowing treatments were used (T1-Untreated, Control); T2- Ash solution; T3-Sand treatment; T4- Soaking in boiled water for 15 min; T5- 24 hrs soaking in cool water; T6- Partial burning. Plant height (PLH), leaf length (LFL), and leaf breath (LFB) were measured with tape rule; leaf number (LFN) and   branches number (BRN) were counted at four different stages of growth 8, 12, 16, 20 weeks after planting (WAP). Soil analysis was done before and after the trial. T. bracteolata plants were sampled for proximate composition and mineral content at different stages of growth. The results indicated that there was a slight increase in organic   matter, N, Ca, Na, K and Zn in the soil after the trial. Sand-treated seeds had the highest percentage germination (85%) followed by seeds soaked in boiled water for 15 minutes (62%). There was a significant (P < 0.05) increased in PLH, LFN and BRN at 20 WAP. The highest (P <0.05) CP was noticed at early stages 8 and 12 WAP compared to other stages of growth. Ether extract, NDF and ADF were similar (P > 0.05) at 12, 16 and 20 WAP, while ash content were higher (P < 0.05) at 8 and 12 WAP. Conclusively, T. bracteolata has the ability to improve the fertility of the soil; its nutrients profile at different stages of growth were adequate in meeting the maintenance and reproduction requirements of animal especially ruminant animals without any fortification in the diets at any different stages of growth.

Key words: Pre-sowing treatments, Agronomic parameters, Tephrosia brateolata, Nutrients, Stages of growth and Soil fertility.