Abstract
This study seek to evaluate the potential of four BEs (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rhizobium and Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF)) without complementary inorganic fertilizer in promoting plant growth and nutrient uptake in contrasting soil types. Field studies set up in completely randomized design (CRD) were conducted in Southwestern Nigeria using bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabales: Fabaceae) as test crop sown on a sandy loam and clay loam alfisol. Result indicates that performance of inoculated BEs in improving bambara nut growth and nutrient uptake did not differ according to soil types. Promising results were obtained with all BEs with Rhizobium, AMF and Azospirillum showing exceptional performance respectively across all measured parameters. These BEs are recommended for adoption by local farmers in the study area to optimize bambara nut performance with the aim of reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers and improving fertilizer use efficiency.
Highlights
Crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is becoming increasingly difficult as a result of drought and low soil fertility (Nyanmangara and Nyagumbo, 2010; Awopegba et al, 2017)
Been conducted on response of bambara nut to inoculation with BEs. With this deficit in literature, we evaluated the potential of four BEs; bacteria BE: Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rhizobium and the fungal BE arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF)
We have observed in our experiment, that differing soil types had no influence on BEs performance
Summary
Crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is becoming increasingly difficult as a result of drought and low soil fertility (Nyanmangara and Nyagumbo, 2010; Awopegba et al, 2017). The high price of meat and fish has led to increased cultivation of the legume as an excellent source of protein (19%) in developing countries (Baryeh, 2001; FAO, 2011).the crop has the potential to improve malnutrition and boost food availability in Africa. It is suitable for marginal soils where other leguminous crops cannot be grown, a factor that has further made it to assume higher status in sub-Saharan Africa (FAO, 2011). Despite its high nutritional value and ability to replenish soil nutrients, bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabales: Fabaceae) is still considered as one of the highly neglected and underutilized crop species in Africa (Dansi et al, 2012)
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