Effect of Row Arrangement, Stand Density, and Phosphorus Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) in Sudan Savannah, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2652.001Keywords:
Cowpea, Row arrangement, Stand Density, Phosphorus Fertilizer, YieldAbstract
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important grain legume widely cultivated in the Sudan savanna of West Africa, where it contributes significantly to food security, soil fertility improvement, and farmers’ income. However, its productivity in the region remains low due to poor soil fertility, particularly phosphorus deficiency, and suboptimal crop management practices such as improper plant population and spatial arrangement. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the influence of row arrangement, stand density, and phosphorus fertilizer application rate on cowpea yield and yield components in the Sudan savanna agro-ecology. A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 rainy season at Federal University Dutsin-Ma, teaching and research farm and Umar Musa Yar’adua University Katsina teaching and research farm in Katsina State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of two row arrangements (single row and double rows), three stand densities (one, two, and three plants per stand), and four phosphorus fertilizer levels (0, 13.2, 26.4, and 39.6 kg P ha⁻¹). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, grain yield, harvest index, and shelling percentage. Results indicated that row arrangement did not significantly influence grain yield at either location, although it significantly affected harvest index and shelling percentage at Dutsin-Ma, where the double-row arrangement produced superior performance. Stand density significantly affected harvest index, with variable responses across locations. Phosphorus fertilizer application significantly improved grain yield, harvest index, and shelling percentage at both locations. The study demonstrates that adequate phosphorus fertilization combined with appropriate row arrangement and stand density can enhance cowpea productivity in the Sudan savanna agro-ecology. These management practices offer a practical strategy for improving cowpea yield and resource use efficiency in the region.
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