PRODUCTIVITY OF STRIGA INFESTED MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) UNDER BIOCHAR-FERTILIZER MIXTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY IN THE SUDAN SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in 2024 rainy season concurrently at two different locations (Bayero University Kano [110 98’ 23‖ N; 8.43’02‖ E] and Irrigation Research Station Kadawa [110 38’ 45‖ N, 80 26’ 52‖ E] both in Kano State within the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of Biochar and fertilizers on striga infestation and productivity of maize for sustainable food security. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments combination, and using two levels each of biochar (B), N, P and K alone and in combination to give 13 treatments while zero (0) application was used as control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The result indicates that application of 60:30:30 Kgha-1 NPK plus 2 tha-1 biochar gave better weed suppression and higher grain yield as comparable to the recommended rate of both NPK and biochar and is therefore recommended for sustainable food production in the study areas, as they suppress weed infestation and gave higher growth and yield in maize.