Effects of Bambara Groundnut (Voandzecia Subterranea (L) Verde) Biomass on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays) in the Sub-Humid Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at the University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Farm in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons, to assess the effect of bambara groundnut biomass on the growth and yield of maize.  Five treatments which were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design consist of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha^-1 of the biomass incorporated into the soil as green manure.  Early maturing maize variety (TZER-Y-SR) was planted two weeks later.  The results showed that 20 t ha^-1 of the biomass produced the tallest plants (190.67 cm) in 2010 cropping season followed by 15 t ha^-1 (161.33 cm).  All the treatments produced yields that were significantly higher than the control. Ten t ha^-1`of the biomass produced the highest grain yield (4.24 t ha-1) in 2010 cropping season.  In 2011, 15 t ha^-1 of the biomass produced the tallest plants (192.87 cm) followed by 20 t ha^-1 (184.40 cm).  The highest grain yield of 15.35 t ha^-1 was produced by 10 t ha^-1 of the biomass.  Ten t ha^-1 bambara groundnuts biomass is recommended for maize production in the study area.