Influence of Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil Health under Maize Cropping System in Sudan Savannah of Nigeria
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Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of selected leguminous cover crops and nitrogen fertilization on soil health under a maize cropping system in the Sudan Savannah of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising four cover crop treatments (Mucuna, Lablab, Cowpea, and control) and five nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹), replicated three times. Key soil health indicators assessed included soil pH, organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AvP), exchangeable bases, micronutrients, and salinity parameters. Results showed that cover crops significantly improved OC and OM compared to sole maize (p < 0.05), with Lablab and Mucuna recording values above 2.8% and 4.8%, respectively. Total nitrogen and available phosphorus were also significantly enhanced under legume-based systems, particularly maize–Mucuna (p < 0.05). Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased TN (p < 0.05), although higher rates slightly reduced AvP. Significant interaction effects between cover crops and nitrogen were observed for TN and AvP (p < 0.05), indicating synergistic benefits. Micronutrients, especially Fe and Mn, were significantly improved under cover crops (p < 0.05), while salinity indices remained within safe limits. Integrating leguminous cover crops with moderate nitrogen fertilization enhances soil fertility and nutrient dynamics, supporting sustainable maize production in the Sudan Savannah.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulkadir, A., Adesoji, A. G., Musa, M., Musa, S., James, D. (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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