Sesbania rostrata as green manure for lowland rice in Casamance (Senegal)

Authors

  • I. Ndoye Université C.A Diop, Département de Biologie Végétale, BP. 5005, Dakar, Sénégal
  • B. Dreyfus Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Sols, ORSTOM BP. 1386, Dakar, Sénégal
  • M. Becker West Africa Rice Development Association, BP. 2551, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire

Keywords:

Green manure, Nitrogen, Sesbania rostrata, Senegal

Abstract

The stem-nodulating tropical legume, Sesbania rostrata, was grown for seven consecutive years for 35-42 days in the pre-rice niche of traditional Casamance (south Senegal) rainfed lowland fields under the management of both researchers and farmers. The incorporation of about 25- 35 Mg ha-1 of fresh green manure (GM) biomass resulted in an average N accumulation of 90- 150 kg N ha-1. Lowland rice-grain yields increased from 2 Mg ha-1 in weedy fallow control plots to about 4 Mg ha-1 where seed-inoculated S. rostrata was incorporated. Sesbania rostrata GM technology may contribute to increase rice production in Casamance and warrants to be extended to regions with similar conditions.

Issue

Section

Research Notes