Potentials of Indigenous Herbaceous Species for the Improvement of Local Farming Systems in Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Abstract

Constraints to productivity in the Sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon are often linked with inadequate herbaceous cover. A study was carried out to evaluate the performance of ten indigenous herbaceous legumes with potentials for use in crop/livestock systems. Data collected on above and belowground performance at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting (DAP) showed significant differences (p<0.0001) in all parameters. At 90DAP, plant height ranged from 21.25 cm in Zornia glochidiata to 86.9 cm in Cajanus cajan, highest biomass was 104.2g for Crotalaria spectabilis and 86.4g for Indigofera hirsuta, while spread/cover was best for Vigna radiata (145.7cm). Root length and density were highest in Crotalaria spectabilis (48.83cm and 18.77g). Nodule number was highest in Desmodium adreudens (83.36), followed by Zornia glochidiata (60.63) and Indigofera hirsuta (59.3). Nodule efficiency was generally high for all species, attaining up to 100% in Desmodium (big leaves), implying effective symbiosis between the local rhizobium and the different species. Crotalaria spectabilis, Indigofera hirsuta and Vigna radiata ranked highest in overall performance. The results have shown that some indigenous herbaceous species possess potentials that could be beneficial in enhancing biodiversity and environmental management goals in a sustainable farming system.