Responses of yield, components of yield and nutrient contents of cow pea to magnesium fertilizer in a tropical rainforest region

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out in the early and late growing seasons in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to determine the responses of yield, components of yield and nutrient contents of cow pea to magnesium fertilizer. Yield and components of yield studied were not significantly increased by Mg application but N, P and Zn concentrations were significantly increased, while Mn concentration decreased significantly with applied Mg.Yield was positively correlated with the micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) concentrations of cow pea. A level of 0-43 m-equiv/100 g of exchangeable Mg or 15% Mg saturation appears adequate for successful cow-pea production in a typical forest zone within the humid tropics.