PERFORMANCE OF MILLET IN IMPROVED MILLET-LEGUME STRIP CROPPING SYSTEMS AND TRADITIONAL MIXED CROPPING SYSTEM IN SUDAN SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

The study area is characterized by high population density which leads to fragmentation of farmlands. The farmers continue to cultivate small farmlands using local varieties with low levels of technology resulting in depletion of soil nutrients with consequent reduction in yield per unit area. There is need to increase productivity through intensification of farming activities. As such, on-farm researcher-designed farmer-managed field trial was conducted in 2011 wet season to evaluate the best system(s) and optimum level of fertilization at which millet will perform better in mixture with legumes under improved strip cropping (4 X 4) systems and traditional farmer practice in selected 15 communities in Kano State, Nigeria. The experiment was analyzed as a randomized block design (RBD). The productivity of the systems was also compared on millet equivalent weight basis. The experiment consisted of seven (7) treatments involving millet-legume mixtures and 4 fertilizer application levels with number of farmers with each system as the replicates. The experiment was analyzed as a randomized block design (RBD) using analysis of variance and significantly different means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Generally, yields were low due to the low fertility status of the soils and that some demonstration farmers were reluctant in weeding plots receiving improved technologies. Nonetheless, Intercrop system significantly (p≤0.01) affected grain yield (on equivalent weight basis). It also significantly (p≤0.05) affected Stover yield of millet. Fertilizer level significantly (p≤0.05) affected panicle weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield of millet. Based on this, SOSAT C-88/Local cowpea and even the farmer practice (Local Millet/Local Groundnut) at recommended fertilization were recommended millet-legume systems in this region regarded as millet belt. Fertilizer manufacturers were also recommended to blend micronutrients (particularly Zn) for fertilizers meant for this zone.