Use of stem-nodulating Sesbania rostrata and Aeschynomene afraspera as green manure for rice in saline soil

 

Pirach Pongwichian

Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900

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Generally, land with slightly and moderately saline soil is used for rice cultivation, but the obtained grain yield is low.  Sesbania rostrata and Aeschynomene afraspera (stem-nodulating legumes) were grown as green manure crops in the land at Ban Tha-bo, Roi Et province with saline soil in 1990/91 for the objectives of comparing growth, biomass and N-accumulation between the two species. The results indicated that S. rostrata gave higher mean biomass than A. afraspera (16.605 and 7.588 t/ha, respectively).  Application of P and K fertilizer increased biomass in both species.  S. rostrata with P and K application gave the highest biomass of 31.131 t/ha and higher N-accumulation of 90.43 kg N/ha. 

For using as green manure at the age of 60 days, the legume plants were incorporated in the soil for succeeding rice growing.  Rice cultivar KDML 105 was transplanted to the prepared land (with and without N fertilizer application).  The difference in rice grain yield due to green manure between the two species was not found while the application of P and K to legumes tended to increase rice yield, compared to those without the application of P and K.  Green manure together with N fertilizer application for rice also tended to increase rice yield.

 

 

 

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