Abstract

JOLAOSHO, A.O. et al. Effects of growth habits of legumes on weed population in grass/legume mixed swards. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2009, vol.58, n.221, pp.133-136. ISSN 1885-4494.

Grass-legume swards form the basis of many productive pasture systems. A study was carried out to evaluate their ability to smother weeds. A total of twelve treatments consisting of grass/ legume mixed swards were planted in July, 2004. Soil analysis of the site was carried out prior to and after the study. Some agronomic data like plant height, leaf number and population of weeds found in the plots were recorded using a meter square quadrat. There was a slight increase in the nitrogen content of the soil in 2005 after the study. The weed populations were highest during the first three weeks after planting. The weed population reduced drastically with increasing week. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the population of the weeds in the mixed sward during the 2 year duration of this study. Stylosanthes hamata recorded higher weed populations during the first year while a higher weeds population was recorded in the plots of Tephrosia bracteolata during the second year.

Keywords : Stylosanthes hamata; Tephrosia bracteolata; Competition for resources.

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