Effect of seeding rate on plant performance of Alycicarpus ovalifolius under rain-fed in Semi-arid zone, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted at the private farm, Southern part of Alfashir Airport, under the semi-arid condition of North Darfur State, Sudan. The objective was to test the effect of different seed rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 kg/ha) of Alycicarpus ovalifolius on plant growth attributes and forage yield, during two consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018) aiming to find the most suitable seed rate under rainfed condition in semi-arid zones to be used in pasture improvement. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates, the plot size was 8x5 m. Data collected included Plant density, plant ground cover and dry matter yield. There were significant effects of seeding rates on plant density, cover and yield. Seed rate of 8kg/ha had highest plant density, cover and yield. But the seed rate of 6kg/ha had the optimum performance, this seed rate was recommended for sowing Alycicarpus ovalifolius at semi-arid condition for range improvement. Further research work is needed to assess seeding rates across different ecological zones in North Darfur State.