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Dec 31, 2020Keywords:
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Main Article Content
GROWTH AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SELECTED LEGUME SPECIES IN HUMID TROPICAL FOREST OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
The growth and mineral composition of six locally available but underutilized leguminous species (Centrosema
pubescens, Mucuna pruriens, Calopogonium mucunoides, Stylosanthes capitata, Lablab purpurues, and
Mucuna bracteata) being considered for organic fertilizer production were investigated at Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture Umudike, South-East Nigeria. The legumes which constitute the experimental
treatments were raised in the nursery and transplanted to the field using RCBD design with three replicates. Vine
length, number of leaves and number of branches of the species were measured weekly. Dry weights of the
legumes were determined at three stages of the plants growth. Legume samples were also analyzed for nutrient
elements composition at 50% flowering. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of variance
(ANOVA) with the significant means separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p<0.05.The
results show significant variations in the growth parameters and nutrient elements composition among the
legumes. L. purpureus had highest plant height (7.00±0.707cm), M. bracteata had greatest number of branches
(14.80±2.653) and biomass (205.12±5.984g/plant), S. capitata had highest number of leaves (20.60±1.327),
while C. mucunoides contains highest N (3.90 %) and organic matter (31.83%). The legumes are rich in nutrient
elements and organic matter which are necessary for healthy growth of agricultural and forest crops.
