Soil Nitrogen Constraint Removal Using Legume Rotation For Sustainable Maize Production In Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a major constraint to maize production in the Northern states of Nigeria. This is due to the inherently low content of N in the soils. The problem is further exacerbated by high N requirement of maize, non-availability of inorganic N fertilizer, and the practical limitations of organic fertilizers. Maize is one of the major cereal crops grown in Northern Nigeria. In addition to its direct use as food for human and livestock, maize is also an industrial raw material for starch, pharmaceutical, corn flakes, brewing and flour million industries. Maize rotation with legumes (grain and herbaceous) can improve N nutrition of the maize and reduce the inorganic N fertilizer need of the maize. Grain yield benefits are realized when maize succeeds legume. Greater yields benefits are also obtained with incorporation of the legume residue. N use efficiency (NUE) of maize is improved by rotation with a legume thereby reducing nitrate pollution of ground water. Integration of legumes into the cropping systems of northern Nigeria is recommended for sustainable maize production.