Influence of Shelterbelt-Distance on Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Arid Area of Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted in the shelterbelt plantation located at Azare, northern part of Bauchi State (Latitude 11^o40’ N, Longitude 10^o10’E, 609. 45m above sea level) in the Sudan savanna ecological zone of Nigeria during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 raining seasons.  The objective of the study was to determine the appropriate planting distance from the shelterbelt for maximum growth and yield of pearl millet. Millet Gero variety an early maturing was used in all the three years of experiment.  Treatments consisted of six distances (-5, 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45m) from the shelterbelt. These treatments were arranged both at the leeward and windward sides of the shelterbelt in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments perpendiculars to the shelter on the windward side of the belt serve as the control, out of which one, randomly picked was designated as -5m. Results after data analysis, showed that distance significantly (P = 0.05) influenced the growth attributes and grain yield of millet.  Close (5 - 15m) to the shelterbelt, plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and grain yield were reduced.  The result also showed that these parameters increased significantly (P = 0.05) with sowing at 25m- distance.  Beyond 25m however, these measured growth and yield parameters declines as the influence of the shelterbelt diminishes.  Of all the distances studied, maximum growth and yield of millet was obtained at 25m-distance.  It is therefore recommended to farming communities in the study area.