Phytomass production, nutrient accumulation and decomposition of legumes used for green manure

Abstract

Green manure is a simple agricultural practice that is capable of improving crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different legumes such as black velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima), Chinese velvet bean (Mucuna nivea) and lab-lab (Lablab purpureum) on phytomass production, nutrient content and decomposition rate for use as green manure in lowland areas of the state of Tocantins, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Formoso do Araguaia, Tocantins, Brazil. The experimental design was arranged in randomized blocks with three treatments consisting of the legumes black velvet bean, Chinese velvet bean, lab-lab, and with four replications. The three legumes studied show potential to be used as green manure and considerable phytomass production and nutrient accumulation in the shoot dry matter for the conditions in lowland areas of Tocantins.