This experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of planting dates on the behavior of ten legumes used as green manure. Field plots were laid out in a completely randomized split-plot design combining 10 legumes and four planting dates to total 40 treatments. Results obtained indicated that total dry matter production was influenced by sowing dates for all the legumes studied. Black mucuna (Styzolobium atterrimum) stood out in the January sowing and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stood out in the October sowing. Black mucuna is indicated as the best option for rotation with a short cycle summer crop.
Legumes; green manure; dry matter; crop rotation; planting dates