Effects of Pelleting Cowpea and Soyabean Seed with Fertilizer Dusts

Abstract

SUMMARY Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of several pelleting materials in increasing the yields of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and soyabean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) on acid soils in Sierra Leone. The results demonstrated the beneficial effect of molybdenum, applied either alone or in combination with rock phosphate, in improving growth and yield of cowpea. The beneficial effect of molybdenum was comparable (Exp. 1) or greater (Exp. 2) than the effect of liming with 3 t/ha basic slag. However, none of the coating materials had any effect on soyabean growth and yield, although molybdenum significantly increased nodules/plant. Calcium carbonate and basic slag pelletings were ineffective in both crops.