Evaluation of Micronutrient Coated Urea and Sulphur on the Growth and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L) in Sudan Savanah Agro Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Field trials were carried out at Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology Research farm at Kura and Tokarawa to evaluate the effect of micronutrient-coated urea and Sulphur on the growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in the Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria during the 2022 and 2023 wet seasons using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of varying combinations of Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) micronutrient-coated Urea at two rates (1.25 and 2.5 kg ha⁻¹) applied singly and in combination with Sulphur (20 and 40 kg ha⁻¹). Data were collected on plant height, leaf area index, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, 100-grain weight and grain yield to evaluate the influence of Sulphur and micronutrient coated Urea on growth and yield of Sorghum in the study area. Results revealed from the study indicated that all measured parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by micronutrient and Sulphur treatments across locations and seasons. The combined application of 2.5 kg Boron-coated urea + 40 kg S ha⁻¹ and 2.5 kg Zn-coated urea + 40 kg S ha⁻¹ consistently produced the highest plant height, leaf area index, crop growth rate, and grain yield compared to the control. The research therefore recommended the use of micronutrients-coated urea in combination with Sulphur for improved sorghum productivity and efficeint nutrient use.

Micronutreints, Coated urea, Boron, Sulphur, Assimilate, Zinc

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