Authors : S.A. Ogedegbe, V.B. Ogunlela, E.C. Odion and O.O. Olufajo
Abstract: In order to evaluate the response of lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) proximate composition to phosphorus application, cutting height and age of cutting, field trials were conducted at Samaru, Nigeria in the 2006-2008 wet seasons. The treatments were composed of factorial combinations of 4 rates of phosphorus application (0, 12, 24 and 36 kg P ha-1), 2 cutting heights (10 and 20 cm) as the main plot and 4 cutting ages (6, 12, 18 weeks and at maturity) as the sub-plot a split plot design with three replications. The highest crude protein and crude fibre concentrations of lablab herbage were obtained at the 12 weeks and maturity stages of cutting, respectively and both parameters were enhanced by advanced age of cutting. Lablab ether extract concentration decreased as age of cutting increased and cutting age did not improve ether extract concentration. A phosphorus application rate of 12 kg P ha-1 produced the highest ether extract concentration in lablab herbage when age of cutting was 6 weeks. Crude protein concentration of lablab was highest at the 0 P application rate combined with cutting at 6 weeks age while crude fibre was highest when lablab received no phosphorus application and was cut at maturity. It is suggested that lablab herbage be fed prior to maturity in order to reduce minimize crude protein loss.
S.A. Ogedegbe, V.B. Ogunlela, E.C. Odion and O.O. Olufajo, 2011. Response of Proximate Composition of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) Herbage to Phosphorus Application, Cutting Height and Age of Cutting. Research Journal of Agronomy, 5: 20-27.