Response of Bambaranut (Vigna Subterranea) to Bio-Slury and Posphorus Fertilizer in Naka, Gwer West Local Goverment Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Animal waste is an important nutrient resource necessary to optimized crop yield in many sub-Saharan countries leading to increase in food security. This is mainly because manure improves soil texture, water holding capacity, increases soil nutrients supply and ultimately increase crop yield per unit area of land. However, there is scanty information on the use of bio-slurry as a nutrient source for cultivation of bambaranut. Therefore, a field trial was conducted in 2021 to evaluate the effect of bio-slurry and phosphorus on the yield parameters of bambaranut. The experiment consisted of four (4) levels of bio-slurry (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.0) t/ha and three (3) levels of phosphate fertilizer (SSP) at (0, 50 and 100) Kg/ha. The experiment was laid in Randomised Complete Block Design in three (3) replications. The result of the trial indicated that yield (702.5 kg/ha) obtained from applications of bio-slurry at 7.0 t/ha plus SSP at 50 kg/ha was statistically the same with yield (712.1 kg/ha) obtained from SSP at 100 kg/ha. Though combined application of bio-slurry and SSP at all levels gave higher yields compare to sole application of either bio-slurry or SSP, this had no statistical difference. It was inferred that incorporation of bio-slurry could possibly reduce the quantity of mineral fertilizers required for cultivation of the bambaranut. The use bio-slurry plus fortified with phosphate fertilizer should be encourage in bambaranut cultivation in the study area.

Keywords: Manure, pH, organic matter and nutrients

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-7-02

Publication date:May 31^st 2023