Effect of phosphorus (P) application on nutrient uptake, biomass, pod and seed formation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp])

Abstract

Phosphorous (P) deficiency is a serious problem which limits the productivity of cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa. • P deficiency affects negatively the formation of nodule (1, 2) and the symbiotic fixation of N2 by limiting growth and survival of rhizobia (1, 3) in legume crops. • According to our previous study, P and N uptake in cowpea are significantly correlated (r = 0.817, P < 0.01) (4), that is, P uptake affects N uptake strongly. • Field experiment was conducted to elucidate the effects of P application on P and N uptake, growth status, and yield of cowpea genotypes.