Fertilization of crops in semi-arid savanna soils of Nigeria. Sorghum response to straight and compound fertilizers under continuous cultivation

Singh, L and Balasubramanian, V and Nnadi, L.A (1984) Fertilization of crops in semi-arid savanna soils of Nigeria. Sorghum response to straight and compound fertilizers under continuous cultivation. Samaru Journal of Agricultural Research, 2 (1-2). pp. 39-48.

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Abstract

Fertilizer trials carried out at various farm centres in northern Nigeria have revealed that sorghum response to increased application of N (from 40 to 80 kg/ha N), P (from 8 to 16 kg/ha P) and K (from 20 to 40 kg/ha K) is inconsistent. The residual N from a previous groundnut crop satisfies a part of the N requirement of the sorghum crop and thus there is poor response to high N application. The ability of the long-season grain sorghum to forage the subsoil for P is considered to be responsible for the non-significant response of the crop to increased P application above 8 kg/ha P. Similarly, the magnitude of sorghum response to increased application of K (above 20 kg/ha) is small and consistent, although the response to lower levels is good. The1283refore, in addition to N and P, K fertilization of savanna soils at moderate doses is essential for high yields of sorghum under continuous cultivation. For grain sorghum in savanna soils when grown in rotation with groundnut, 40 kg/ha N, 8 kg/ha P and 20 kg/ha K appear to be adequate for the present yield level. These nutrients can be applied through either straight or compound fertilizers, depending on their availability, because there is no significant difference between them except for the Mg supply for Mg-deficient soil

Item Type: Article
Author Affiliation: Department of soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Subjects: Plant Protection
Soil Science and Microbiology > Soil Sciences
Divisions: Sorghum
Depositing User: Library ICRISAT-InfoSAT
Date Deposited: 28 Mar 2012 08:11
Last Modified: 28 Mar 2012 08:11
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/4255

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