Keywords
Sesame
Cowpea
NPK Fertilizer
Sowing date
How to Cite
Abstract
The study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons; to determine the effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by NPK fertilizer rates and Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] sowing dates in sesame and cowpea intercropping in Sudan savanna, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of four rates of NPK fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha) and three cowpea sowing dates (simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame, sowing of cowpea two weeks after sesame (CSAS) and sowing of cowpea three weeks after sowing the sesame (CSAS), laid out in a factorial arrangement, fitted into a split plot design and replicated three. The NPK fertilizer was assigned to the main plots while cowpea sowing dates were allocated to the sub-plot. Data on growth and yield parameters collected included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), number of capsules per plant, 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield per hectare (kg/ha ). The data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistix 10.0 and where there is a significant difference; the means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results revealed that NPK fertilizer had significantly improved the growth and yield of sesame. Sesame yield increased with increase in NPK fertilizer rates up to 100 kg ha-1. The highest grain yield obtained for the combined was 934.76 kg/ha. As for the cowpea sowing date, it was noticed that when the cowpea was sown three weeks after sesame, the yield of the sesame increased significantly. The interaction of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing recorded significantly greater grain yield in both years. Based on the findings, it is concluded that application of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing is recommended for sesame + cowpea in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria.
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