Influence Of Intra-Row Plant Spacing, Phosphorus Application And Growth Stage On The Forage, Seed Yields And Quality Of Phasey Bean (<i>Macroptilium lathyroides</i>) In Subhumid Area Of Nigeria

Abstract

Forage, seed yields and herbage chemical composition of phasey bean (Macroptilium lathyroides) were investigated at 3 intra-row plant spacings (15, 30 and 45cm between plants ; 50 cm between rows), 4 phosphorus (P) fertilizer application rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha P) and 5 harvest stages (uncut control, 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks post sowing) in two growing seasons at Shika in northern Nigeria. The least intra-row plant spacing (15cm) produced higher (p<0.01) total DM yield (1.50 t/ha) than wider spacings. The proportion of leaf was least (40%) in the widest spacing compared with other spacings (59-62%). The P-fertilized plots produced 58-60% more total DM yields than the unfertilised plots and total DM yields increased with advanced plant growth. The highest percentage (61-63) of leaf was recorded from 6 to 12 weeks post sowing. Nitrogen level in herbage increased (p<0.05) with increased intra-row plant spacing and P application. Phosphorus and Calcium. Levels in herbage did not respond to intra-row plant spacing but increased with P application. The Ca:P ratios at the harvest stages were between 4:1 and 6:1. The highest seed yields (198 and 188 kg/ha) were recorded respectively in the least intra-row plant spacing and the application of 100 kg P/ha. Ssupplementation of calves on grasses cereal stovers with phasey bean hay in a sustainable crop livestock production systems is suggested.

Keywords: Macroptilium lathyroides, spacing, phosphorus, harvest stage, forage and seed yields