Adaptation performance of various pasture legume species in Soroti and Lira districts

Abstract

The experiment was to evaluate the agronomic performance and nutritive value of thirteen introduced forage legume accessions and identify the best forage legumes for overgrazed areas, clay and sandy soils. Four species namely: Chaemocrista rotundifolia (Sirani Wynn), Macroptilium atropurpureum (cv. Aztec), Centrosemapubescens and Stylosanthes scabra (c.v. Sirani) showed high agronomic performance and nutritive value. Chaemochrista rotunfifolia (c.v Wynn) showed good establishment, aggressiveness, high seed production, drought tolerance and is free from pests and diseases. Macroptilium atropurpureum (c.v. Aztec) established easily, is drought tolerant and was a good seed producer. Both Chaemochrista rotundifolia and Macroptilium atropurpureum were high in DM yields and in CP content. Centrosemapubescens establishes easily, was a high seed yielder, drought tolerant, high in DM yield and CP content. Stylosanthes scabra (c.v. Siran) establishes easily, was a good seed yielder, fairly drought resistant and fairly high in CP content. Basing on the overall performance, it is recommended that the four legumes, namely:- Chaemocrista rotundifolia (c.v Wynn), Macroptilium atropurpureum (c.v. Aztec); Centrosema pubescens and Stylosanthes scabra (c.v Siran) be in the first batch for on-farm trials.