Effect of Shelterbelt- Distance on Nutrient Contents of Pearl Millet (Pennisetumglaucum) in Arid Land of Nigeria

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for 3 years in Azare, northern Bauchi State using a shelterbelt.  Treatments consist of six shelterbelt distances namely; -5m (the control treatment on the windward side), 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45m (on the leeward side) of the belt. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicatedfour times. Results of the analysis of variancerevealed that shelterbelt-distance significantly (P = 0.05) affectedgrain-NPK contents of millet with 25m giving significantly higher contents all through the years of experiment. These parameters were numerically higher in the year 2005 than it was in 2003 and 2004.However, beyond 25m shelterbelt-distance, grain NPK contents of millet dropped significantly, though, with values greater than the control treatment on the windward side of the belt. Based on this result, the 25m shelterbelt-distance is recommended for high quality grain in millet, especially in arid areas of Nigeria.