Vol.17, N°5 (2020) - Article 18
Successful use of biofertilizers in sub-Saharan Africa : how soil fertility level constitutes its first step
This study assessed the potentials of biological and foliar fertilizers on cowpea growth and yield in the southern Guinea savannah of Nigeria. Microbial inoculants (RACA6, Rhizatech and Eco-T) were used with two foliar fertilizers (Agroleaf high P and Agrolyser). Shoot dry weight as recorded under TSP, RACA6+TSP, Agroleaf high P and Reference treatment ranged from 40.57 to 46.59 g plant-1 . Microbial inoculant effect on shoot dry weight was not significantly different from that of inorganic fertilizers. Combined application of RACA6+Rhizatech+Agrolyser significantly improved shoot P content. Foliar fertilizer treatments had no significant influence on cowpea grain yield which varied from 11.28 to 19.63 g plant-1 . The grain yield under Agroleaf high P and Rhizatech were 18.41 and 19.63 g plant-1 respectively. Grain yield of 16.32 g plant-1 was recorded under the reference treatment while the grain yield of 13.96 g plant-1 was observed under TSP. Thus, the use of microbial inoculants and foliar fertilizers could potentially enhance grain legumes production among smallholder farmers’ field. Through biofertilizer usage, environmental safety is assuredthereby reducing N runoff threat.