Effect of sowing density on number of tiller, ground cover and dry matter yield production of two green manure crops, winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and lolium mix

Abstract

Determining the effect of sowing density is crucial for good tillering and production of dry matter yield of green manure crops. An experiment was to determine the effect of sowing density on tiller number, total dry matter yield production and ground cover by green leaf blades of two green manure crops namely winter rye and lolium. Split-plot design was used with a green manure crop as a main factor and sowing density as a sub-plot factor with six blocks in 3 different sowing densities. An advisable sowing density of 50% and 100% did show a significant difference on the number of tillers for winter rye. Sowing density did show a significant linear effect on ground cover by green leaf blades of the crops. Sowing density showed a significant linear effect on total dry matter yield. To evaluate the effect of environment further investigation would be need.