Evaluation of Starter Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer on the Early Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp)

Abstract

Pot experiment was conducted at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, lgboora to evaluate the effects of starter Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on the early growth and yield of Cowpea line (IT07K-243-1-10). The inorganic fertilizers used were Urea and Single Super Phosphate (SSP) applied at the rate of 5 kgN/ha; 10 kgN/ha; 30 kgP/ha, 60 kgP/ha, 5 kgN/ha + 30 kgP/ha, 10 kgN/ha + 30 kgP/ha; and 10 kgN/ha + 60 kgP/ha respectively. The control was without fertilization. Fertilizer was applied aweek after planting. The Experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design. The analyzed resultshowed significant differences in growth parameters including plat height, number of leaves, number of pods as well as seed dry weight. These increases were reported mostly in soils fertilized at 10 kgN/ha + 60 kgP/ha. Plants treated with 10 kgN/ha + 30 kgP/ha had the highest number of nodules (45.75), while control gave the least results.