Effect of fertilizer levels and plant spacing on the performance of Mucuna prureins (velvet bean) in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

Fertilizer recommendation for crop and plant spacing is dynamic process in view of the generation of new knowledge with management practices. Information such as (phosphorus levels and plant spacing) on maintaining adequate soil fertility is very much important for producing better forages for livestock. Leguminous crop such as Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) can alleviate some of these problems. Field experiment was conducted to access the effect of phosphorus fertilizer application level at 0, 80 and 120kg/ha and plant spacing interval of 30, 60 and 90cm of Velvet bean. Application of 80kg/ha of phosphorus fertilizer significantly influenced the performance of Mucuna plant such as plant height, number of branches and forage yield. Plant spacing interval of 30cm resulted in better stand count, taller plant, higher number of branches and forage yield per plant. Famers in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria can adopt the application of phosphorus fertilizer at 80kg/ha and using narrower spacing (25cm by 30cm) for better yield of Mucana, thereby increasing farm output and animal performance.Keywords: phosphorus level, plant spacing, Mucuna pruriens, Velvet bean