Authors : S.A. Ogedegbe, V.B. Ogunlela, E.C. Odion and O.O. Olufajo
Abstract: With a view to studying the response growth and growth attributes of lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) to phosphorus application, cutting height and cutting age field trials were conducted during the 2006-2008 wet seasons at Samaru, Nigeria. The treatments were composed of factorial combinations of four rates of phosphorus application (0, 12, 24 and 36 kg P ha-1), two cutting heights (10 and 20 cm) and four ages of cutting (6, 12, 18 weeks and at maturity) in a split plot design with three replications. Application of 12 kg P ha-1 increased lablab sward height slightly (4%) while applying 24 kg P ha-1 increased leaf area index by 10%, number of root nodules by 42% and nodule dry weight by 50% over the zero-P control. Cutting lablab to a 20 cm stubble produced significantly taller sward. The highest sward obtained by cutting fodder at 18 weeks, a treatment that also produced the fastest relative regeneration rate. A combination of 36 kg P ha-1 and 20 cm cutting height produced the highest sward. The highest number of root nodules was obtained when lablab was given 24 kg P ha-1 and cut to a stubble height of 10 cm. Intensive management of lablab growth should be carried out within 12 WAS for the overall benefit of the crop. Cutting or grazing treatment either of which may prolong the vegetative stage of lablab is also required to manage its leaf area index for better crop growth.
S.A. Ogedegbe, V.B. Ogunlela, E.C. Odion and O.O. Olufajo, 2011. Growth and Growth Attributes of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) as Influenced by Phosphorus Application, Cutting Height and Age of Cutting. Research Journal of Agronomy, 5: 10-19.