Abstract:
Four nitrogen fixing species were planted as short term fallows on poorly yielding soils in Nagojje and
Najjcmbe sub counties of Mukono district. These were Crotalaria grahamianaf Tephrosia vogelli, Sesbania
sesban and Cajanus cajan. Then a post fallow crop of beans or maize was planted together with a control.
Crotalaria and Tephrosia flowered and attained maximum biomass within one season ( six months) while
Sesbania and Cajanus flowered after two seasons (hvelve months). Post fallow crop yields were high for all
fallow species compared to the control. In beans Crotalaria was highest followed by Tephrosia and then
Sesbania. In maize Crotalaria and Tephrosia performed equally well and better than Sesbania. Therefore
Cotalaria and Tephrosia are promising as shrubs that can be adapted for short term improved fallow in
Mukono district.