Weed Species Composition and Profitability of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Production as Affected by Variety and Intra-Row Spacing in Kano, Sudan Savannah, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined how different types of groundnut plants and the space between them affect the types of weeds, yield, and economic benefits. It was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture at Bayero University Kano and the Institute of Agricultural Research farm in Minjibir, Kano, Nigeria, during the 2023 rainy season. The trials consisted of five varieties of groundnut and four improved varieties (SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-23, SAMNUT-24, SAMNUT-27) and a local variety (Maibargo) with three intra-row spacings (20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. The results indicated that the SAMNUT-23 variety produced the highest pod yield (1013.7 kg ha⁻¹), kernel yield (599.7 kg ha⁻¹), and highest haulm yield (2012 kg ha⁻¹) when compared to other varieties at both locations. Closer intra-row spacing of 20 cm produced the highest pod yield (380.3 kg ha⁻¹), the highest kernel yield (222.8 kg ha⁻¹), and the highest haulm yield (2200 kg ha⁻¹) when compared to other intra-row spacings at BUK.  The highest cost-benefit ratio was recorded from SAMNUT-23 with a corresponding intra-row spacing of 20 cm, 5.32, and 3.52 BUK and Munjibir, respectively. In comparison, SAMNUT 21 at 20 cm had the lowest BCR of 0.97 and 0.69 at both locations. The study also identified several dominant weed species, including Oldenlandia corymbosa, Chochorus aestuans, Mitracarpus villosus, and Cyperus rotundus, which can negatively impact crop productivity. The findings suggest that combining SAMNUT 23 and a 20 cm intra-row spacing can optimize groundnut production and economic returns.