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Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate growth and yield response of chive (Allium schoenoprasum) and parsley (Petroselinum sativum) planted in rotation with three green manure crops: Cowpea (Vigua unguiculata), hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureas) and sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea). Green manure crops were established in replicated plots in June, 1996 and mowed in October, 1996. Samples were taken to determine biomass yield. A natural fallow (grass/broadleaf) treatment was also included. Plots were disk plowed to incorporate green manures into the soil. Two months later (December, 1996), plots were prepared and seedlings of chive and parsley were transplanted into three rows, 4 m long. No fertilizer was applied to any of the plots. Plots were drip irrigated to maintain a soil moisture tension of 30 kPa. The trial used a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Sunnhemp produced a significantly (p<0.009) higher dry biomass yield (10.97 t.ha"1) than hyacinth bean (4.11 t.ha"1) and cowpea (2.55 t.ha"1). The data for the third harvest showed that parsley plants from the sunnhemp and hyacinth bean plots were significantly taller (22 cm) and the sunnhemp plots were also more productive (619 g/m2) than from the cowpea and natural fallow plots. There were also significant differences for the total weight of parsley. No significant differences were observed between green manures as to their influence on plant height, fresh and dry matter yield of chive, however, the data showed that fresh yield was highest for chive grown afler hyacinth bean (1807 g/m2) and lowest for the cowpea (1247 g/m2) treatment. Green manure crops had a significant effect on some yield parameters of both crops. This study indicates that during the initial stage, some culinary herbs can beneTit when grown in rotation with green manure crops.

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