Performance of several annual legumes which have potential for soil conservation

Abstract

Eight annual legumes (Lathyrus annuus L., L. articulatus L., L. clymenum L.,L. tingitanus L., Lupinus pubescens L., Vicia benghalensis L., V. grandiflora W. Koch, and V. villosa Roth) were sown once or twice within 2 consecutive years at approximately 115 viable seeds m -². Canopy heights, percentage ground covers, flowering times, and dry matter and seed yields were recorded. L. tingitanus had the greatest canopy heights over both years and provided the most ground cover after 42 days. V. grandiflora had the lowest values for both characters. Years × species interactions were highly significant for dry matter and seed yields. Dry matter yields ranged from 3.4 t ha -¹(F. benghalensis in year 1) to 11.9 t ha -¹ (L. tingitanus in year 2). Seed yield was negligible for V. villosa and V. grandiflora. Some species may be used for stock fodder.

Keywords:

• Lathyrus
• Vicia
• Lupinus
• soil conservation
• revegetation