Fertilization effects on soybean growth and yield in the southern guinea savanna of nigeria¹

Research supported by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria and the Department of Agronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853, U.S.A.

Abstract

Soybean production is increasing in savanna regions of West Africa. However, only limited information exists concerning nutrient requirements of soybean in the region. Trials were conducted at five locations in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria to determine the response of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to P, K, and to a combination of secondary elements and micronutrients. Responses to P varied with P status of the soil and with the application of supplemental secondary elements and micronutrients. Fertilization with K had no effect on yield. Fertilization with secondary elements and micronutrients increased grain yield at all sites after severe P deficiencies were eliminated. Mineral analyses of leaf tissue suggested deficiencies in several secondary elements and micronutrients as well as the possibility of Mn toxicity.

Notes

Research supported by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria and the Department of Agronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853, U.S.A.

D.A. Shannon, Haiti Agroforestry Research Project, Southeast Consortium for International Development/Auburn University, c/o Lynx Air, P.O. Box 407139, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33340. E.A. Kueneman, FAO, Plant Production and Protection Division, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. M.J. Wright, Department of Soil, Crop, and Atmospheric Sciences, Bradfield Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. C.W. Wood, Department of Agronomy and Soils, 202 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849–5412.