Abstract
Savanna regions of Nigeria are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, which retard the growth and yield of crops. Therefore, a study was conducted in the wet season of 2006 at the Dry Land Teaching and Research Farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of phosphorus on the growth and yield of two cowpea varieties sourced from Republic of Niger. Treatment consisted of four (4) rates of phosphorus (0, 20, 40, 60 kg.ha–1) factorialy combined with (2) varieties of cowpea (kvx303096G and TN5-78) and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Results showed significant response to applied P on pods per plant, grain and stover yield and 100-seed weight with highest response to the application of 60 kg.P.ha–1. From this study it can be concluded that KVX303096G and TN5-78 could both be sown under Sokoto condition to obtain reasonable yield of about 1 t.ha–1 of grain and 1.6 t.ha–1 of stover. Irrespective of the varieties, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha–1 could be recommended for higher yield of cowpea (1.4 t.ha–1) relative to 0 kg.P.ha–1 that yielded 1.0 t.ha–1.
Highlights
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important grain legume in the dry savanna of the tropics covering 12.5 million hectares with annual production of about 3.3 million tones [1]
Because of its multiple effects on plant nutrition, a phosphorus fertilizer is recommended to increase yields (P2O5: 20 - 60 kg·ha–1) [10]
The rain established in June and ceased in October coinciding with sowing and harvesting of cowpea, respectively (Figure 1)
Summary
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important grain legume in the dry savanna of the tropics covering 12.5 million hectares with annual production of about 3.3 million tones [1]. Cowpea is an important crop because of its role in human and livestock nutrition It reduces the shortage of food by making efficient use of water and nutrient. Cowpea is of vital importance to the livelihood of several million of people in east and central Africa [4]. Out of the 12.5 million hectare cultivated to cowpea worldwide, Singh et al [5] estimated that eight million hectare are in West and Central Africa, distributed predominantly between Nigeria and Niger. In spite of the fact that grain yields are low, cowpea has continued to be a popular crop among farmers This is because cowpea provides high protein food for people, especially children; it improves and sustains soil fertility, and provides high quality fodder for livestock [6,7]. In addition to its role-played in mixture with cereals, the crop is advantageous in terms of weed
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