The Effects of Nitrogen Mineral on Yield Performance of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.) in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Result of field trial reported herein was conducted during 2010 and 2011 wet season at Wamdeo (100 30 ‘N, 130 09 ‘E), 345m above sea level, geographically located south of Borno state in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The treatments were 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120kg N ha-1, arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results indicated among others that growth parameters (leaf area, plant dry weight and crop growth rates) all increased with increasing Nitrogen (N) rates as the application of 120kg N ha-1 produced leaves with wider surfaces and increased dry matter production during all sampling periods (4, 6, 8 and 10 WAS) in both years and combined analysis. Also, the application of 90kg N ha-1 accelerated crop growth in 2011 wet season without statistical comparison to other N rates, as 120kg N ha-1 in 2010 at 8 and 10 WAS and in combined analysis at 10 WAS influenced higher crop vigour which out-grew other N rates. Conclusively, the study stressed that Nitrogen application markedly enhanced growth and yield if applied in the right quantity and time. Consequently, farmers are hereby encouraged to apply the mineral in the right proportion of at least 120kg to 200kg to their plants for improved growth and yield.