Evaluating the Potential Effect of Foliar Fertilizers on Cowpea Growth and Yield

Authors

  • Isbel F. Chakanyuka Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Solomon Mupeti Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Charity Pisa Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Nyamande Mapope Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Cosmas Parwada Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Tony Tauro Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Justin Chipomho Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Benhildah Masuka Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.
  • Wonder Ngezimana Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20448/803.4.2.144.152

Keywords:

Biomass, Fertilization, Folia, Growth, Legume, Mobilization, Volatilization.

Abstract

A experiment to evaluate performance of foliar fertilizers on cowpea growth and yield was conducted in the 2015/16 Zimbabwean summer season. This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Treatments were; a control (no fertilizer), 300 kg/ha compound D only, 300 kg/ha compound D + foliar fertilizers, 150 kg/ha compound D + foliar fertilizers and foliar fertilizers only. Leaf number, branch number, pod number, biomass, pod weight and grain weight were measured. Application of foliar fertilizers had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on growth by increasing the leaf number per plant at 5 weeks after planting. Leaf number was in the order of 112.05 (300 kg/ha compound D + foliar fertilizers)>104.8 (300kg/ha compound D only) >84.55 (150 kg/ha compound D + foliar fertilizers >76.6 (control)> 73.95 (foliar fertilizers only). Foliar fertilizer application also had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on pod number. A combination of compound D + foliar fertilizers had the highest pod number 29.55 followed by compound D (26.72) and the least was from control (16.9). Grain yield of compound D + foliar fertilizers (0.35) was not statistically different from that of compound D only (0.32), but both were significantly (p < 0.05) different from the other treatments. Results showed that the effect of foliar fertilizers is most attributed if used in combination with compound D (basal fertilizer). There is need for further research to investigate if residual soil fertility can affect the yield of cowpea concerning the foliar applications.

How to Cite

Chakanyuka, I. F. ., Mupeti, S. ., Pisa, C. ., Mapope, N. ., Parwada, C. ., Tauro, T. ., Chipomho, J. ., Masuka, B. ., & Ngezimana, W. . (2019). Evaluating the Potential Effect of Foliar Fertilizers on Cowpea Growth and Yield. Canadian Journal of Agriculture and Crops, 4(2), 144–152. https://doi.org/10.20448/803.4.2.144.152

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)

Section

Articles