PROFITABILITY OF PRE-SEASON GREEN MANURE PRACTICES USING MAIZE AS A TEST CROP IN A DERIVED SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

摘要

Economic profitability of cowpea green manure was evaluated during the 2009-10 pre-cropping season using maize as a test crop. The trial involved two varieties of cowpea sown at different dates and a control (with just the native fertility) arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The economic profitability was evaluated using the returns on the test crop which was planted one week after incorporation of the green manure. Grain yield of the maize was significantly (p<0.05) enhanced by green manuring resulting in 78% returns on investment. Although manuring with both cowpea varieties gave more benefit per dollar invested across the three planting dates when compared with the control. Variety Drum was superior in terms of economic returns and was recommended to grow as early as 10-20th of March.