Effect of Npk Fertilizer and Planting Orientation on Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato (ipomea Batatas L.) in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during 2024 rainy season at Teaching and Research farm of Faculty of Agriculture Bayero University Kano (11o59’ N; 8o25’E; 466m above sea level). The aims of the research was to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer rates and planting orientation on the growth and yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in the Sudan Savannah region of Nigeria. The treatment consisted of four (4) NPK fertilizer rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1) and two planting orientation (Vertical and Angular) which were factorially laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three (3) times. Data were collected on chlorophyll content, vine length, leaf area index, number of tubers, net plot weight. The collected data were analyzed using GenStat software (17th edition) and significant mean were separated using SNK. The result revealed that NPK fertilizer significantly affected growth and yield character where 600 and 400 kg ha-1 NPK produced the highest growth and yield character, respectively. There was no significant difference between the planting orientation on growth and yield characters except on LAI. Based on this study it can be concluded that farmers in the study area could adopt 400 kg ha-1 of NPK fertilizer for higher yield of sweet potato. However, further research should be conducted using more planting Orientation in other to determine the best method for higher yield.