Spacing, Sowing Date, and Nutrient Sources Impacting Growth, Yield, and Quality Traits of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) in Bauchi, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of inter-row spacing, sowing date, and nutrient sources over three consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, and 2019) to evaluate the effects of different treatments on the growth, yield, and quality attributes of sesame at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching and Research Farm, Bauchi. The experimental treatments included three interrow spacings (60, 75, and 90 cm), three planting dates (1st, 5th, and 10th July), and three different nutrient sources [0 (control), NPK at 80 kg ha-1 , and poultry manure (5 t ha-1 )]. These were factored together, laid out in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates. Results indicated that wider inter-row spacing (75 and 90 cm) and early sowing (10th July) significantly (p < 0.05) increased plant height, leaf area, flower number, and seed yield. The application of poultry manure as a nutrient source proved to be more effective than NPK fertilizer in enhancing plant growth and seed yield. Additionally, nutrient sources impacted the quality attributes of sesame seeds, with NPK and PM treatments leading to higher protein content and PM leading to higher fiber content. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing inter-row spacing, sowing date, and nutrient management practices to improve sesame productivity and quality. Thus, the study found that inter-row spacing of 90 cm, sowing date of 10th July, and application of 5 (t ha-1 ) poultry manure significantly improved sesame yield, recommending its use in the study area.