Effect of nitrogen rate on yield of Acha, Digitaria exilis Kippis Stapf in the sudan savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

A randomized Complete Block design experiment with three replicates was carried out in 2001 and 2002 on Acha at the experimental site of the National Cereals Research Institute, Rice Research Station, Birnin Kebbi located at Lat. 12^o32^’N; Long. 04^o12’E Alt 200MSL in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. Seven nitrogen rates (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60kgN/ha) were evaluated on Ex-Sum accession of Acha to determine the appropriate nitrogen requirement for optimum yield and profitability of Acha. Additional nitrogen application above 30kgN/ha did not give any significant increase in number of productive tillers/plant and plant height at maturity. Economic analysis also indicated that it would be a wise and profitable decision to limit nitrogen application to 30kgN/ha in Acha production