IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Terkula Joseph Maga; Terhide Samuel Ter; Kator Jeremiah Aorga

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2017

RESPONSES OF SOYBEAN [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] TO PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER TIMING AND RATES IN MAKURDI, NIGERIA.

Terkula Joseph Maga, Terhide Samuel Ter, Kator Jeremiah Aorga

Abstract :

The Low phosphorus content in tropical and subtropical soils constitutes a limiting factor to soybean production, although agronomists have indentified phosphorus fertilization as a remedy, the optimum rate and time of application are still unknown. Thus two field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to determine the effects of phosphorus fertilizer rates and timing on yield and yield components of soybean in Makurdi. The experiment was a 3 x 5 factorial laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of three timing schemes of phosphorous application (at planting, one and two weeks after planting) as well as fertilizer rates (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg/ha). Parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of anches per plant, days to 50% flowering, pod length, number of seeds per pod, pod weight, 100–seed weight, number of pods per plant and grain yield. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result of the analysis showed that phosphorus fertilizer timing had no significant effect on the yield and yield parameters although delaying application appeared to decrease yield. Fertilizer rates significantly affected soybean yield and yield components except days to first flowering and 100–seed weight. Application of 60 kg/ha P produced the highest seed yield. 60 kg/ ha P is recommended for soybean production in Makurdi