Optimizing biomass yield of three herbaceous forage legumes through dual inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobia

•Forage legumes production had been limited by several factors including low soil nitrogen and phosphorus.•The effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium inoculation were investigated on growth and yield of Vigna unguiculata, Lablab purpureus and Mucuna pruriens.•In comparison to single inoculation and uninoculated forages, the dual inoculation of AMF and Rhizobia resulted in improved growth and biomass yield of forage legumes.•Dual inoculation could be an ideal alternative in attempts to reduce the overreliance of chemical fertilizers on forage production.