THE EFFECT OF SPACING ON THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND NUTRIENT INTAKE OF TWO COWPEA VARIETIES (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) IN THE GUINEA-SAVANNAH REGION OF NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
An experiment was carried out in the 2022 season at the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre Farm, Garki-Abuja, to investigate the effects of spacing on the nutritional quality and uptake of nutrients in two types of cowpeas. Three replications of the experiment were conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Protein, beta-carotene, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and carbohydrates were the nutritional attributes for which data were gathered. The elements of nutrient uptake that were measured were nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the mineral contents and nutrient intake, and the Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to compare significant means (DMRT). The findings showed that, of the mineral content examined for nutritional quality, phosphorus had the highest level, coming from TVU 14788 (107.07 mg/100 g). As a result, S2 had the maximum calcium mineral concentration (30.43 mg/100 g). Furthermore, the nutrient uptake of plants showed the same pattern, with TVU 14788 registering the maximum nutrient uptake of magnesium (49.62 mg/100 g). Thus, cowpea farmers in the research area can benefit from the recommendation of the TVU 14788 variety for the production of both nutritional characteristics and nutrient uptake.