Effects of different legume species as green manure on the yield of Chinese cabbage (Pakchoi)

Abstract

Seven different legume species viz: sanke bean (SNB), gutpela cowpea (GIC), velvet bean (VEB), sunnhemp (SUN), common cowpea (CMC), sesbania (SES), and wing bean (WGB) were evaluated as green manure on the yield of pakchoi. Preliminary fresh organic matter yield (FOMY) in the same observation excluding the WGB showed in order of superiority (CMC), (SUN), (GTC), (SES), (VEL), and (SNB) with the FOMY of 5.35, 5.25, 4.33, 4.03, 3.65, and 3.30, t/ha respectively. the yield of the succeeding pakchoi crop when planted on these respective pakchoi yield of 37.18, 33.33, 33.03, 33.00, 25.67, 21.08, and 19.37 t/ha. Statistical analysis showed insignificant effect (P_>0.5) between legume species, however, velvet bean appeared to be the best green manure crop in this observation. Although no soil tests were done to confirm the levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen provided by respective legumes, a good crop of pakchoi is an indication of the contribution of these legumes to soil fertility.