Biomass Yield and Mineral Contents Comparative Examinations of Megathyrus Maximus Intercropped with Legumes

Temitope Akinde , Abel Adebayo Akingbade and Olusola Olawumi Aderinola
Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso

Abstract

This study investigates Biomass yield (BMY), Dry matter yield (DMY) and Crude protein (CP) contents of Megathyrsus maximus intercropped with two (2) legumes in sixteen (16) weeks, carried out at the LAUTECH Teaching and Research Farm Ogbomoso, to determine potential availability of grass for animals during dry season. Megathyrsus was intercropped with Mucuna pruriens (T1) and Tephrosia bracteolate (T2) at 50 cm and 75 cm spacing, using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Samplings were taking with 1m quadrant at eight (8) and twelve (12) weeks post Megathyrsus establishments. BMY/DMY results at 8 weeks of 50 cm and 75 cm spacing reveals that T1 (72.73 kg/ha and 53.43 kg/ha; 93. 28 kg/ha and 52. 27 kg/ha) and T2 (121.25 kg/ha and 63.31 kg/ha; 184. 38 kg/ha and 73. 33 kg/ha) respectively; while 12 weeks at same spacing records T1 (54. 83 kg/ha and 37.25 kg/ha; 49. 99 kg/ha and 39. 14 kg/ha) and T2 (72. 85 kg/ha and 44. 65 kg/ha; 70. 84 kg/ha and 42. 80 kg/ha) respectively. Both T1 50 cm and T1 75 cm spacing has 10. 51% CP while T2 50 cm and T2 75 cm spacing had 7.57% CP and 9.37% CP at 8 weeks. Also at 12 weeks, T2 50 cm and T2 75 cm spacing had 8. 44% CP and 6. 72 % CP respectively. Comparatively, T2 (8 weeks) intercropping at 75 cm spacing gave better BMY, DMY and CP values. The study consequently, recommends 8 weeks T2 Megathyrsus maximus intercropping for tropical livestock grazing.

Presentation