Assessment of the Effect of Sowing Method on Emergence and Yield of Millet in Kebbi State

The method of seed sowing influences seedling emergence uniformity, root development, and early plant vigour, and optimising sowing technique for pearl millet in the Sudan savanna conditions of Kebbi State can improve yield consistency for smallholder farmers. This study assessed the effect of three sowing methods (flat-bed dibbling, ridge sowing, and surface broadcasting) on emergence, growth, and grain yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A randomised complete block design experiment with three replications was conducted during the 2023 rainy season using SOSAT-C88 variety. Emergence percentage at 14 days, seedling height at 28 days, tillering ability, panicle length, panicle weight, and grain yield were measured. Results showed that ridge sowing produced the highest emergence percentage (87.3 percent) and grain yield (1.94 tonnes per hectare), attributed to improved soil-seed contact and moisture conservation along the ridge profile. Surface broadcasting showed the lowest emergence (54.6 percent) and yield (1.22 t ha-1), with significant spatial variability in stand density. Flat-bed dibbling was intermediate in both emergence (76.9 percent) and yield (1.71 t ha-1). The study concludes that ridge sowing is the most productive sowing method for pearl millet in Kebbi State and recommends it as the standard planting technique in extension advisory programmes, particularly for early-season planting when soil moisture is variable.

Keywords: sowing method, pearl millet, seedling emergence, grain yield, Kebbi State