Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Nodulation in Cowpea

Abstract

SummaryA factorial (3 × 3 × 3) experiment using three levels of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium was conducted to evaluate the effects of these elements on the formation of nodules. Results indicated that increasing levels of nitrogen depressed the formation of both effective and ineffective nodules, but phosphorus and potash did not produce any significant effects. Although the soils of the experimental plots were highly leached and strongly acid in nature, the native strains of rhizobia were able to produce copious amounts of effective nodules on plants growing on plots where no nitrogen was applied. It appeared that the naturally occurring rhizobia strains in these soils are well adapted to their natural environments.