Effect of Planting Method and Spacing on the Yield and Yield Components of Three Bambara Groundnut Cultivars in two Agro-Climatic Zones of Sierra Leone

Abstract

Identification of optimum inter-row spacing, planting method, and suitable cultivar is essential for maximizing the yield of any crop. The study was conducted in two agro-climatic zones to determine the appropriate inter-row spacing, planting method, and suitable Bambara groundnut cultivars that can improve crop yield and yield components. The treatments consisted of two planting methods, three inter-row spacing, and three Bambara groundnut cultivars. The study shows those yield parameters, including grain yield, biomass yield, total biomass yield, 100 seed weight, and fresh pod weight, were higher in Lungi when planting was done on a mound, whilst the value of these variables was higher in Kabala when planting was done on flat. For inter-row spacing, higher values were recorded using the wider inter-row spacing (50 cm x 20 cm) for most of the assessed yield and yield-related components. The result further shows that lubam1 recorded higher values for the yield and yield-related components at both locations. In addition, values for all the yield and yield-related components were, on average higher in Kabala compared to Lungi. In conclusion, to achieve higher yield and yield-related components of Bambara groundnut, it lubam1should be planted on a mound at Lungi and on flat land at Kabala using the wider inter-row spacing of 50 cm x 20 cm.