Effects of Planting Patterns and NPK Fertilizer Rates on the Growth, Yield and Economic Performance of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Varieties in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i5.274Keywords:
Sorghum Varieties, Plant Density, NPK Fertilizer, Grain Yield, Sudan Savanna, Economic AnalysisAbstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a major cereal crop supporting food security and livelihoods in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. However, yields remain low due to inappropriate agronomic practices, declining soil fertility, and limited adoption of improved varieties. Field experiments were conducted during the 2023 rainy season at Dutsin-Ma (Katsina State) and Kazaure (Jigawa State), Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of planting pattern and NPK fertilizer rates on the growth, yield, and economic performance of sorghum varieties. Treatments consisted of three sorghum varieties (SAMSORG KSV 400, SAMSORG CSR 01, and a local KAURA variety), two planting patterns (single-row and double-row planting on ridges), and four NPK fertilizer rates (0, N30:P30:K30, N60:P30:K30, and N90:P30:K30) arranged in a factorial combination using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth parameters, yield components, grain yield, and economic returns were assessed. Results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects of variety, planting pattern, and NPK rate on most measured parameters. SAMSORG KSV 400 produced the highest grain yield across locations, while double-row planting significantly outperformed single-row planting. Grain yield increased progressively with increasing NPK rates, with N90:P30:K30 producing the highest yield and gross margin. Significant interaction effects among variety, planting pattern, and fertilizer rate indicated the importance of integrated agronomic management. The combination of SAMSORG KSV 400, double-row planting, and N90:P30:K30 fertilizer emerged as the most productive and economically viable option for sorghum production in the Sudan Savanna. Adoption of these practices could substantially enhance sorghum productivity and farmer income in northern Nigeria. It is therefore recommendation that, SAMSORG KSV 400 verity, Double-row planting pattern on ridge with application of N90: P:30 K30 fertilizer, should be used in Sudan Savanna region due its higher productivity.
References
Abah, J., Petu-Ibikunle, A. M., & Eze, E. (2020). Sorghum Production in Nigeria: Opportunities, Constraints, and Determinants of Welfare Status and Net Farm Income among Smallholder Farmers. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 12(8), pp 117-131.
Aduba, J. J., Mohammed, B. T., Jilasaya, I., & Ozuba, I. C. (2013). An Economic Analysis of Sorghum Production among Sorghum Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Global Journal of Current Research, 1(4), pp 116-123.
Advanta Seeds Pty Ltd. (2019). Grain Sorghum Nutrition Guide.
Agricultural Production Statistics: Sorghum Yield Response to Climate and other Input Factors in Ethiopia. (2022).
Agronomy. (2021). Climate and Soil Requirements for Sorghum Cultivation.
Ahmed, S., Mujeeb, F., & Samiullah, H. (2022). Effects of NPK Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Sorghum in Different Soil Types. Agronomy Journal, 114(7), pp 1542-1550.
Ahmed, S., Mujeeb, F., & Samiullah, H. (2022). Effects of NPK Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Sorghum in Different Soil Types. Agronomy Journal, 114(7), pp 1542-1550.
Ajeigbe, H. A., Akinseye, F. M., Kamara, A. Y., & Tukur, A. (2018). Sorghum Yield and Water use under Phosphorus Fertilization Applications in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Science, 7(8), pp 245-257.
Ajeigbe, H. A., Jonah, J., & Kamara, A. Y. (2019). Sorghum Production and Management Practices for Increased Yield in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 205(4), pp 472–482.
Akintayo, I. A., Adetunji, A. A., & Olatunji, O. M. (2019). Interaction Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Agricultural Science Research Journal, 9(5), pp 258-265.
Akinwale, R. O., Ajayi, A. T., & Akintunde, A. N. (2019). Response of Sorghum Genotypes to Nitrogen and Spacing in the Guinea Savanna. Nigerian Journal of Agricultural Science, 21(2), pp 55–63.
Akinyemi, A. O., Adebisi, M. A., & Ajayi, A. (2020). Effects of Varietal Differences and Planting Patterns on the Yield of Sorghum. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 15(4), pp 202-210.
Ali, A., Usman, A. R., & Muhammad, K. (2021). Effect of Planting Density on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum. International Journal of Plant Production, 15(1), pp 193-208.
Ali, M. E., Ahmed, K. A., & Yousif, M. A. (2019). Effects of NPK fertilizers on the Growth of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Journal of Agricultural Science, 11(3), pp 103-112.
Amani, A., Mvumi, B. M., & Chiyembekezo, M. (2018). Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum as Influenced by Varieties and Cultural Practices. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 13(4), pp 189-198.
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). (2015). Sorghum Production Guide for Cambodian Conditions (p. 35).
Awal, M. A., Hossain, M., & Rahman, M. M. (2020). Genetic Variability and Heritability of Grain Yield in Sorghum. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 23(3), pp 345-352.
Ayuba, H., Musa, A., & Ibrahim, S. (2020). Influence of NPK Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Plant Science, 14(3), pp 87–94.
Baba, A., Mustapha, B., Sugun, K. M., & Muhammad, K. K. (2021). Influence of Organic Manure (FYM) and Inorganic Fertilizer (NPK) on Nutrient Uptake, Growth, and Yield of Sorghum in Maiduguri. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 9(4), pp 21-30.
Bamire, A. S., Adebayo, O. M., & Afolabi, M. O. (2016). Yield Response of Improved Sorghum Varieties to Nutrient Management Practices. Journal of Crop Improvement, 30(5), pp 699-711.
Bashir, W., Iqbal, M., & Khaliq, T. (2019). Effect of Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Two Sorghum Varieties. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 51(6), pp 2295-2300.
Bationo, A., Waswa, B., Okeyo, J., & Maina, F. (2018). NPK Fertilizer Interactions and their Impact on Sorghum Yield in West Africa. Nutrient Cycling in Agr¬o-ecosystems, 110(3), pp 427-444.
Bello, M. A., Abdulrahman, A. B., & Yakubu, I. (2018). Comparative Performance of Local and Improved Sorghum Varieties in the Sudan Savanna. Journal of Agricultural Research, 6(2), pp 45–53.
Bolan, N., Gan, M., & Wang, H. (2010). NPK Fertilizers and their Impact on Soil Health and Environmental Sustainability. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 8(1), pp 45-52.
Borrell, A. K., Hammer, G. L., & Moore, J. M. (2014). Does the Timing of Flowering in Sorghum Matter? Field Crops Research, 157, pp 106-117.
Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2017). The Nature and Properties of Soils (15th ed.). Pearson.
Burayu, W., Chinawong, S., Suwanketnikom, R., Mermut, A. R., & Manu, A. (2006). Tillage System and Fertilizer rate Effects on Sorghum Productivity in the Central Rift Valley of Oromiya, Ethiopia. Kasetsart Journal of Natural Science, 40(1), pp 1-40.
Das, S., Ray, P., & Ghosh, A. (2020). Impact of Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Sorghum. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 3, 100078.
Dembele, J. S. B., Doumbia, M., Aune, J. B., & Coulibaly, A. (2021). Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilization Optimization on Sorghum Grain Yield in Mali. Agronomy Journal, 113(6), pp 4705-4720.
Eze, S., Obasi, D., & Akpan, I. (2021). The Effects of NPK Fertilizer on the Yield Parameters of Sorghum. Applied Sciences in Agriculture, 15(2), pp 89-97.
Fageria, N. K., Baligar, V. C., & Jones, C. A. (2010). Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Field Crops (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
FAO. (2020). Sorghum Production and Improvement Guide for Africa. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Feed the Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity. (2020). Handbook on Improved Agronomic Practices of Sorghum Production in North-East Nigeria (p. 15).
Fletcher, R. A., & Hu, J. (2017). Advancements in Sorghum Breeding: Yield Potential and Drought Tolerance. Field Crops Research, 208, pp 13-20.
Foster, A. J., Schlegel, A., Cuvaca, I. B., Holman, J. D., Ciampitti, I. A., Thompson, C., Ruiz Diaz, D., & Currie, R. (2018). Effect of Drilled Seeding and Nitrogen Rate on Grain Sorghum Yield in Southwest Kansas. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports, 4(5). https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7588
Ganyo, K. K., Muller, B., Ndiaye, M., Gaglo, K. E., Guissé, A., & Adam, M. (2019). Defining Fertilization Strategies for Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Production under Sudano-Sahelian Conditions: Options for Late Basal Fertilizer Application. Agronomy, 9(11), p 697.
Hailu, G., & Kedir, M. (2022). Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) at Kersa Woreda of Oromia Region. International Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 7(1), pp 23-29.
Handiso, Y. E., & Mamo, M. A. (2022). Agronomic Response of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Variety to Density, Nitrogen, and Blended Fertilizer Rates for Yield Components and Seed Quality in Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Bioscience, 21(5), 172-182.
Hao, H., Li, Z., Leng, C., Lu, C., Luo, H., Liu, Y., & Wu, X. (2021). Sorghum Breeding in the Genomic era: Opportunities and Challenges. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 134(7), pp 1899-1924.
Havlin, J. L., Tisdale, S. L., Nelson, W. L., & Beaton, J. D. (2014). Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management (8th ed.). Pearson.
Hussain, I., Khan, M. E., & Zafar, M. (2020). Nutrient Application Strategies for Sustainable Sorghum Production in Arid Regions. International Journal of Agronomy, 2020.
Ibrahim, S., Mohammed, B., & Yusuf, A. (2017). Effects of Spacing and Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Sorghum. Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Studies, 9(1), pp 112–119.
Ingle, K. P., Deshmukh, A. G., Padole, D. A., Mahendra, S., Moharil, M. P., & Khelurkar, V. C. (2023). Current Status and Future Prospects of Molecular Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Millets. Plant Biotechnology Reports, 17(2), pp 143-162.
Khalifa, M., & Eltahir, E. A. B. (2023). Assessment of Global Sorghum Production, Tolerance, and Climate Risk. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 1127265.
Khan, M.A., Ali, S., & Khan, N. (2019). The Role of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Enhancing Sorghum Yield. Science Progress, 102(1), 0036850419828763.
Kumar, A., Singh, R.K., & Sharma, S. (2018). Effect of Row Spacing on Sorghum Yield and Growth Parameters. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 63(1), pp 56-60.
Kumar, A., Thakral, A., & Singh, R. D. (2018). Response of Sorghum Varieties to Different Planting Systems. Legume Research, 41(3), pp 349-356.
Kumar, S., Poonia, S., & Gupta, D. (2021). Investigating the Impact of Row Spacing on Biomass and Yield of Sorghum. Crop Science, 61(5), pp 3321-3330.
Latt, C., Aye, T., & Zaw, M. Y. (2017). Yield Performance of Different Sorghum Hybrids in Myanmar. Agronomy Journal, 109 (5), pp 1871-1881.
Lestari, T., Apriyadi, R., & Verawati. (2022). Growth Response and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) with NPK Application and Cassava Bark Compost in Ultisol Land. Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Environment and Agriculture Technology (ICOSEAT 2022), pp 368-373.
Manda, J., Misana, S., & Kivuva, B. (2021). Assessing the Yield Performance of Diverse Sorghum Varieties under Varying Phosphorus Levels in a Semi-Arid Region. Field Crops Research, 258, 107926.
Marschner, P. (2012). Marschner’s Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (3rd ed.). Academic Press.
Moehtar, M. A., Noor, Y., & Awang, Y. (2022). Impact of Planting Patterns on Sorghum Yield and Quality. Agricultural Sciences, 12(2), pp 101-115.
Monona, B. T., Awotide, B. A., Diagne, A., & Wiredu, A. N. (2016). The Profitability of Inorganic Fertilizer use in Sorghum Production: Evidence from Nigeria. Guiding Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Intensification in Africa (GISAIA) Policy Paper, 1, pp 1-6.
Muliokela, S., Phiri, H., & Chipeta, G. (2020). Influence of NPK on Root Development in Sorghum under Drought Conditions. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 16(5), pp 583-590.
Mundia, C. W., Secchi, S., Akamani, K., & Wang, G. (2019). A Regional Comparison of Factors Affecting Global Sorghum Production: The Case of North America, Asia, and Africa's Sahel. Sustainability, 11(8), p 2135.
Murray, G. A., et al. (2017). Drought Tolerance in Sorghum: Mechanisms and Variation Assessment. Agricultural Water Management, 183,pp 65-75.
Musa, I., Yakubu, M., & Suleiman, U. (2021). Response of Sorghum to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates under Different Tillage Systems. Nigerian Agricultural Journal, 52(1), pp 23–31.
Nurudeen, A. R., Asamoah, L., Bekele, K., Mary, O. A., Danial, B. A., Shaibu, M., & Irmgard, H. Z. (2021). Maize-Legume Strip Cropping Effect on Productivity, Income, and Income Risk of Farmers in Northern Ghana. Agronomy Journal, 113(4), pp 1-12.
Nwankwo, E., Ogundele, O.M., & Eze, J. (2022). Interactive Effects of Planting Patterns and NPK Fertilizer on Sorghum Yield. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(9), pp 485-496.
Nwankwo, E., Ogundele, O.M., & Eze, J. (2022). Interactive Effects of Planting Patterns and NPK Fertilizer on Sorghum Yield. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(9), pp 485-496.
Ogundele, O. M., Adejare, A. D., & Afolabi, O. (2017). Growth Response of Selected Sorghum Varieties to Combined Application of NPK Fertilizers. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 40(6), pp 874-884.
Ojo, O. A., Ogunbayo, S. A., & Oladele, A. A. (2020). Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum under Varying NPK Fertilizer Levels. Nigerian Journal of Crop Science, 18(1), pp 55-62.
Okonkwo, C. J., Umeh, E. C., & Nwosu, E. C. (2018). Response of Sorghum Growth and Yield to NPK Fertilizer Levels in the Northern Guinea Savanna. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 14(1), pp 1–10.
Olakojo, S. A., Adeniyi, T. A., & Ajayi, O. (2019). Genetic Performance of Improved and Local Sorghum Cultivars for Stem Strength and Grain Yield. West African Journal of Crop Science, 5(3), pp 92–101.
Olaleye, O. A., & Adebisi, M. A. (2019). Influence of Planting Density and Varietal Differences on the Growth and Yield of Sorghum in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Crop Science, 77(2), pp 121-128.
Olivera, M., García-Lara, S., & Serna-Saldivar, S. O. (2020). Nutritional and Functional Potential of Sorghum for Food and Beverage Applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 132, 109976.
Omoigui, L. O., Otitoju, O. O., & Olubamiwa, E. O. (2018). The Effect of NPK Fertilizer on Sorghum Grain Quality. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 23(1), pp 1-9.
Omolehin, R. A., Nwoke, B. E., & Adebayo, O. M. (2022). Nutrient Uptake and Yield Responses of Sorghum Varieties to NPK Fertilizer Application in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(4), pp 129-137.
Sahu, R. K., Sharma, S., & Soni, M. (2021). Boosting Sorghum Yield through Row Spacing Optimization. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 23(4), pp 857-865. Salisu B. (2023). Productivity of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L.) Varieties as Affected by Planting Patterns and Rates of N.P.K. Fertilizer in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. M. Sc. Dissertation. Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultire, Federal University Dutsinma.
Sani, R. M., Haruna, R., & Suraj, S. (2013). Economics of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Production in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Research in Agricultural & Applied Economics, 4(4), pp 1-7.
Sebniel, W., Mengesha, M., Girmay, G., Feyisa, T., Belaynesh, A., Beza, G., & Dejene, D. (2020). Evaluation of Micro-Dosing Fertilizer Application on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Production at Wag-Lasta Areas of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. *Sekota Dry-Land Agricultural Research Center Scientific Report, 10*, 6889.
Sekyere, O. D., Asumboya, G., & Yintii, B. (2018). Sorghum Production Practices: A Case Study of Four Districts in Navrongo, Ghana. Journal of Basic and Applied Scientific Research, 8(8), pp 1-15.
Seymour, G. R., & Zeller, G. (2017). Impact of Row Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Sorghum Hybrids. Agronomy Research, 15(3), pp 862-871.
Shabala, S., & Murchie, E. H. (2020). Photoprotection and Growth Interaction of Sorghum Varieties and Row Spacing in Drought Conditions. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 148, pp 191-203.
Shibeshi, M. H., Gedamu, M. T., & Fisha, A. M. (2022). Effects of Nitrogen Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Improved Sorghum Varieties in the Lower Watersheds of Habru District, Northern Ethiopia. Abyssinia Journal of Science and Technology, 7(1), pp 46-53.
Singh, A., Yadav, J., & Chaudhary, S. (2021). Synergistic Effects of NPK and Planting Patterns on Sorghum Growth and Yield. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 104(12), pp 367-377.
Singh, A., Yadav, J., & Chaudhary, S. (2021). Synergistic Effects of NPK and Planting Patterns on Sorghum Growth and Yield. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 104(12), pp 367-377.
Singh, R. K., Prasad, S. K., & Kumar, R. (2019). Effect of Nitrogen and Spacing on Tillering and Yield of Sorghum. International Journal of Agricultural Science, 11(2), pp 1–5. Sorghum Outlook Report: January to December (2020).
Temeche, D., Gtachew, E., & Hallu, G. (2021). Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Quantity and Time of Application on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Production in Lowland Areas of North Shewa, Ethiopia. International Journal of Agronomy, 2021, Article ID 3019528. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3019528
Todorov, Z., Velinov, I., & Kostadinova, S. (2019). Effect of Nitrogen Rates on the Nutrient Balances of Grain Sorghum. Research Journal of Agricultural Science, 51(1), pp 226-232.
Wali, S.U., Ali, M., & Bhat, M.A. (2023). Leaf Area Index and Crop Yield of Sorghum under Different NPK and Planting Density Combinations. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 26(2), pp 153-164.
Wortmann, C. S., Ferguson, R. B., Shapiro, C. A., & Shaver, T. M. (2013). Nutrient Management Suggestions for Grain Sorghum (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Publication G166
Yusuf, M., Abubakar, I., & Aliyu, L. (2017). Influence of Spacing and Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in the Sudan Savanna. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 10(1), pp 129–134.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 J. Sanusi, M. H. Ati, Salisu Bashir (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
