Direct seeding of Sesbania sesban for green manure in agroforestry systems- a short communication

This study was based at the Agroforestry Research Centre, Maseno Kenya. The objective was to evaluate the effects of pre-treatment, seed rate and dept h of sowing seed on direct seeding of Sesbania sesban. Direct seeding was s hown to be feasible during the rainy season, provided a shallow seed bed wa s used. Direct seeding at 3 cm furrow depth led to significantly (P = 0.05) greater germination compared to 10 cm depth. There was no effect of pretre atment and seed rate on germination, early seedling growth and dry matter p artitioning. Depth of sowing similarly had no effect on early growth and dr y matter partitioning. Establishment by direct seeding is relatively non-la bour intensive with a probable high adoption potential.