Abstract
Lespedeza (Kummerowia striata) is a unique annual legume grown for pasture, hay and soil improvement due to its qualities as drought resistant, acid tolerant, non-bloating when fed to livestock, tolerant of low soil fertility and its adaptation as a warm-season plant. The objective of this study was to compare the field performance of ‘Legend’ lespedeza a new cultivar with other common cultivars in mid-Missouri. A three year seeding study was conducted near Warrensburg on a Macksburg silt loam soil. Soil phosphorous was amended to levels recommended for optimum lespedeza production in mid Missouri. ‘Korean’ and ‘Summit’ (both kummerowia stipulacea) ‘Kobe’ and ‘Marion’ were compared with Legend. Cultivars (all Kummerowia striata) were randomly assigned each year to five plots and replicated four times in a randomized block design. All plots were seeded using a Great Plains five foot grass seeder at recommended rate of 20 pounds/acre. Yields ranged from 0.68 tons/acre to 2.56 tons/acre during the three-year study. Yield of Legend was 30% greater than Marion (p<0.05), the newest cultivar during the three-year study. Overall, Legend yields were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the other cultivars.