Productivity of Lima Bean (Phaseolus Lunatus L.) Cultivars Using NPK Compound Fertilizer Rates and Training Practice in the Nigerian Savanna

Abstract

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a legume crop grown for its edible beans. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate of NPK fertilizer and the need for training to achieve the maximum yield of lima bean cultivars in the Nigerian Savanna. Field trials were performed at the research farm of Institute for Agricultural Research Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Bagauda sub-station during the wet season of 2018 (Duration month-month). The treatment consisted of two lima bean cultivars (Ex-Manchok Brown and Ex-Manchok Cream), preparation (trained and untrained) and four fertilizer levels of NPK 15:15:15 (control, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha^-1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data showed that in Bagauda, Ex-Manchok Brown gave significantly higher in LAI at 6 WAS than Ex-Manchok Cream, while Ex-Manchok Brown outperformed in the number of seeds pod^-1, 100-seed weight and seed yield ha^-1 at Samaru Ex-Manchok Cream. Trained lima bean at Samaru resulted in significantly higher LAI at 9 WAS and branch numbers at 12 WAS, while 100-seed weight and seed yield ha^-1 at Bagauda were significantly higher with vine training. NPK The application of 450 kg ha^-1 in Samaru and Bagauda resulted in the highest seed yield. The outcome of this study verified that training with 9 DAS and 450 kg ha^-1 of NPK 15:15:15 compound fertilizer is needed to obtain a maximum of Ex-Manchok Cream lima bean cultivar in Nigerian savanna beans.