S. GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) VARIETIES UNDER VARYING UREA REGIMES IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA

Authors

  • Nicholas Eronmonsele Ilozobhie
    National Biosafety Management Agency, (NBMA), FCT-Abuja.
  • Mbong C. Blessing
    1National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Plot 3, Kalahari Close, Off ICS Drive, Dakibiyu, Jabi, FCT- Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Chorio P. Timothy
    National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Plot 3, Kalahari Close, Off ICS Drive, Dakibiyu, Jabi, FCT- Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Ushie T. Faith
  • Usman Ejura
    National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Plot 3, Kalahari Close, Off ICS Drive, Dakibiyu, Jabi, FCT- Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Aihebhoria O. Daniel
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), FCT-Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Sani Adamu
    Department of Crop Science (Agronomy), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Fertiliser, Growth, Sorghum varieties, Urea levels, Yields

Abstract

Limited soil fertility and nitrogen fertilizer access hinder sorghum grain production in sub-Saharan Africa significantly. In 2022 and 2023, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Abuja's farm to evaluate the impact of varying Urea levels on sorghum growth and yield in the Southern Guinea Savannah zone, in conjunction with uniform application of phosphorus and potassium. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and a 4 x 5 factorial design was used, involving 4 sorghum types (Samsorg-48, 49, 46, 53) and 5 Urea levels (0-200 kg/ha). Data collected included plant height, leaf count, leaf area, tiller count, and grain yield, to assess the impact of Urea on sorghum growth and productivity. The ANOVA results showed that both sorghum varieties and Urea applications significantly (p<0.05) impacted crop performance. Increased Urea concentrations enhanced vegetative and yield parameters. Samsorg-49 achieved its highest grain yield with 100-200 kg/ha of Urea, while Samsorg-48 obtained top yields (3.6 t/ha in 2022 and 5.3 t/ha in 2023) with 200 kg/ha. However, Samsorg-46 had the most tillers per stand at 200 kg/ha but recorded the lowest yield, showing unique varietal responses to Urea rates. Varieties responded differently. Grain yield was not significantly impacted by differences across sorghum varieties; however, a significant interaction between fertiliser and varieties revealed that different sorghum types responded differently to the application of Urea, suggesting that no single variety outperformed the others. The advised variety of sorghum is Samsorg 49, along with a recommendation of 150–200 kg/ha of Urea fertiliser.

Author Biographies

Mbong C. Blessing

Principal Scientific officer

Chorio P. Timothy

Scientific officer 1

Ushie T. Faith

Senioe Scientific Officer

Usman Ejura

Scentific Officer 1

Aihebhoria O. Daniel

Prossiva Head

Sani Adamu

Senior Lecturer

Dimensions

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Published

28-11-2025

How to Cite

Ilozobhie, N. E., Mbong , . B. C., Chorio, T. P., Ushie , . F. T., Usman, . E. ., Aihebhoria , D. O., & Sani, A. (2025). S. GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) VARIETIES UNDER VARYING UREA REGIMES IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(12), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-3886

How to Cite

Ilozobhie, N. E., Mbong , . B. C., Chorio, T. P., Ushie , . F. T., Usman, . E. ., Aihebhoria , D. O., & Sani, A. (2025). S. GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) VARIETIES UNDER VARYING UREA REGIMES IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(12), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-3886

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