"Comparative study of the agronomic performance of Desmodium kenyasis and Stylosathes gracilis under the ecological conditions of Nioka, DRC"

Abstract: The present study focused on a comparison of productivity between Desmodium kenyasis and Stylosanthes gracilis under the ecological conditions of Nioka, Democratic Republic of Congo. The experimental methodology adopted involved the cultivation of these two species on arable soil plots, both amended and unamended, evaluating parameters such as germination, crown diameter, plant height and biomass per plot. This research is of scientific, socio-economic and environmental importance. The introduction of permanent legumes, in combination with grasses, could improve pasture management. The results, summarized in tables, revealed differentiated performances: the amended Desmodium kenyasis produced 1.952 t/ha, while the unamended Desmodium produced 1.385 t/ha. Similarly, the amended Stylosanthes gracilis produced 1.278 t/ha, compared to 1.075 t/ha for the unamended Stylosanthes gracilis. Soil amendment promoted better productivity for both species studied.