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

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