Data on the vegetative performance of cowpea in response to fertilizer application on three benchmark soils in the Upper West region of Ghana
Description
Descriptive data of 3 benchmark soils located in the Guinea and Sudan savannah zones of Ghana and the growth response of the cowpea to NPK fertilizer rates was presented. The study was carried out in the 2012 cropping season in the region classified as part of the breadbasket region of the Northern Ghana with poor soils. The locations are Dondori, Nyoli and Kojokpere all in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The aim of the study was to compare the growth of cowpea to NPK fertilizer application on 3 benchmark soils in the Guinea and Sudan savannah zones of Ghana which represent the major soils found in the location. The dataset provides information on the soil physical and chemical properties. The soil classification was carried out using profiles pits. Vegetative growth (height, number of leaves and leaf area) of cowpea was measured at 2 weeks interval for 6 weeks. Cowpea vegetative growth is beneficial in this area as it is incorporated into the soil to return the fixed nitrogen to the soil. This soils if managed sustainably and fertilizer applied at the recommended rate, cowpea growth and yield will be significantly increased without attendant negative effect on the soil and pollution of nearby water sources. This project was supported by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Soil Health Programme. The main aim of the project was to boost legume production in the breadbasket region of Ghana.