L. SHADEYA-M AKUNDABWENI and S.K. NJUGUNA

Department of Crop Science, University of Nairobi,Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Studies of seed production in some native clovers [Trifolium steudneri, T. quartinianum, T. rueppellianum and T. alexandrinum (control)] were undertaken at Shola in the Ethiopian highlands (1983) and at Kabete in the central highlands of Kenya (1990). Trifolium steudneri and T. quartinianum had the highest seed yields on a Vertisol soil at Shola. Seed yields were lower on a volcanic Nitosol soil at Kabete than at Shola, possibly due to the shorter duration of the wet season. At Shola, P fertiliser application significantly (P < 0.05) increased seed yields. Highest costs were incurred in hand harvesting and were 82% of total production costs. The yield and seed production costs of African clovers are related to those of other tropical legumes produced in Kenya.