EFFECT OF SOWING DATE, FERTILIZER LEVEL AND INTRA-ROW SPACING ON THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERS AND YIELD OF BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (Viqna subterranea L. Verdcourt)

EFFECT OF SOWING DATE, FERTILIZER LEVEL AND INTRA-ROW SPACING ON THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERS AND YIELD OF BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (Viqna subterranea L. Verdcourt)

Abstract:

Field experiments were conducted during the 1986 – 90 rainy seasons at Samaru (11° 11′ N; 07° 38’E) to study the effects of sowing date, fertilizer level and intrarow spacing on the agronomic characters and yield of two bambara groundnut varieties. Two separate experiments were conducted in each year. In the first experiment, the effect of fertilizer nutrients (0 and 20kg N/ha; 0, 25 and 50kg K/ha and 0, 11, 22 and 33kg P/ha) was evaluated while the second experiment involved the determination of the best sowing date and the optimum intra-row spacing using two varieties (Pategi-Black and Giwa-White). The earlier experiment was conducted for five years (1986-1990) and the later for four years (1987-1990). The investigation revealed that the application of a starter dose of 20kg N/ha was not essential even on soils with low nitrogen levels (less than 0.05% total N) such as the ones used in this trial. The application of ll-22kg P/ha was found to enhance the performance of the crop significantly and the application of 25kg K/ha also increased the yields of the crop. Grain yields were maximum at 13kg P/ha and 27kg K/ha. Planting early (in June) resulted in higher yields than late planting (July-August) provided adequate protection against weeds, pests and diseases is given to the crop. Closely planted bambara groundnuts (5-10cm between stands on ridges 75cm apart) gave higher yields. The Pategi-Black variety yield significantly higher grains than the adapted local variety (Giwa-White). Plant height, plant foliage spread, 100-grain weight and shelling percentage were significantly positively correlated with grain yield in most years. However, the direct contribution of the shelling percentage to the grain yield was negative in all the years. Good management, especially adequate protection of the crop from weeds, pests and diseases is essential for the production of this crop in Samaru given the small stature of the crop which makes it prone to mechanical damage and/or infection.

EFFECT OF SOWING DATE, FERTILIZER LEVEL AND INTRA-ROW SPACING ON THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERS AND YIELD OF BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (Viqna subterranea L. Verdcourt)

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