Effect of phosphorus application on 'Verano' Stylosanthes hamata and Centrosema pascuorum under sub-humid conditions in Nigeria

A study was conducted to evaluate diverse effects of phosphorus application on 2 forage legumes, viz 'Verano' Stylosanthes hamata and Centrosema pascuorum Mart. ex. Benth on an Alfisol under sub-humid conditions in northern Nigeria.The effect on dry-matter production and seed yield were significant.Applying P at 40 kg/ha was best for optimum production of Centrosema pascuornm. In fact, increasing P beyond this level reduced dry-matter yield of Centrosema pascuorum. Seed production was best at  60 kg P/ha for the legumes and increasing P above this leve reduced seed yield of 'Verano' Stylosanthes hamata. The application of P led to an increase in crude protein and P concentration of herbage,Crude protein and mineral composition of the forages declined with age and varied with changes in season. The highest value of the various nutrients were obtained at 8 weeks after sowing and during the wet season.