Effect of Irrigation Interval on Growth and Forage Yield of Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp.) Varieties Using Solar Pv Irrigation System in Sokoto, Nigeria

Experiment was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Dryland Teaching and Research Farm (130 01N and 50 131E),Sokoto during 2021/2022 dry season. The objective of the research was to study the effects of irrigation interval on the growth and forage yield of cowpea varieties. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results obtained shows that varieties have significant effect on plant height at 6 Weeks after sowing (WAS) and spread diameter at 6 (WAS) as well as forage yield. No significant effect of variety was observed on establishment count, plant height at 4 and 8 WAS and days to 50% flowering. Also, irrigation interval had no effect on establishment count, plant height at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing and forage yield. Irrigation interval recorded significant effect on days to 50% flowering, spread diameter at 4,6 and 8 weeks after sowing. Interaction between varieties and irrigation interval produced significant effect on establishment count, spread diameter at 4,6 and 8 WAS, days to 50% flowering and forage yield. Based on the findings of this research, it can be inferred that varieties and irrigation interval has significant effect on the growth and forage yield of cowpea. As such, SAMPEA 14 with 7 days irrigation interval is recommended under Sokoto condition during the dry season using Solar PV irrigation system.