Effect of NPK (12:12:17) Fertilizer Rates on the Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Varieties

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out as 3 x 4 factorial at the faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons to study the effect of NPK (12:12:17) fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculata). Results revealed that fertilizer application resulted in significant improvement in plant height, number of leaves per plant, leave area index and reduced days to flowering. Yield components and grain yield were significantly enhanced by the application of fertilizer at 150 kg ha^-1 but varietal effect indicated differential varietal responses to fertilizer application which had significantly practical implications for field production. It was therefore concluded that the application of fertilizer to cowpea is beneficial although in small quantity and genotype dependent. There were positive and significant correlation among growth and yield characters except days to 50% flowering that was negatively correlated.

Keywords: Cowpea, Fertilizer, Growth, NPK, Varieties, Yield.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-2-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2020