Effect of Sokoto Phosphate Rock on Growth and Yield of Bambara Groundnut in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Bambara groundnut is a drought-tolerant legume with high potential for food security, yet nutrient management strategies remain under-researched. A field trial was conducted during the 2024 rainy season at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, to evaluate the effect of Sokoto phosphate rock on the growth and yield of Bambara groundnut. The experiment consisted of five levels of Sokoto phosphate rock (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha⁻¹). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. Data were collected on the growth and yield parameters of the crop. The results obtained revealed a significant (P<0.05) effect of Sokoto phosphate rock on leaf area and leaf area index, with maximum values of 665 and 0.665, respectively, observed at the application rate of 20 kg ha⁻¹. Other parameters (plant height, number of leaves per plant, day to 50% flowering, day to 50% maturity, number of pods per plant, total dry weight, pod yield (g), grain weight, shell weight, shelling percentage, haulm weight, stover weight, harvest index (%), 100-grain weight ) measured were not significantly influenced by the application of Sokoto phosphate rock on the crop. Based on the results, the application of 20 kg ha⁻¹ Sokoto phosphate rock is recommended to improve vegetative growth (leaf area and leaf area index) of Bambara groundnut under dryland conditions.