Influence of Sowing Methods and Densities during Establishment on Growth, Dry Matter Yield and Persistence of Tephrosia Species

The study was to investigate planting methods and seeding rates appropriate for early growth (height, dry matter and persistence of three Tephrosia species. It was a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial experiment in a split – split plot design replicated 4 times, at an altitude of 1300m a.s.l. The Tephrosia species were; T. candida T. purpurea and T. vogelii. Planting methods were broadcasting, drilling and space planting while planting densities were 10kg/ha and 20kg/ha. Leaf retention on the plant in the dry season was scored on scale of 0 (no leaves on the plant) to 9 (most or all leaves on the plant). The highest plant height (207.32 cm) was observed with T. purpurea and least (106.51 cm) with T. candida. Plants were tallest (172.59 cm) under drilling and least (106.51 cm) under broadcasting. Planting density did not significantly influence plant height. Leaf retention by T. candida was significantly higher (P