Enhancing the seed yield and nutritional quality of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) through agronomic zinc bio fortification and liming

Agronomic zinc bio fortification of crops is evolving and very imperative as zinc is a very important element in human nutrition and health. A 3 x 4 factorial experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar to evaluate the effect of three rates of calcitic lime (0, 5 and 10 t/ha) in a factorial combination with four rates of soil applied Zn SO4 (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) on growth, yield and nutritional quality of a landrace of Bambara groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc). Data collected were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significantly (P< 0.05) different means were separated using New Duncan’s Multiple Range Test Method (NDMRT). Results revealed that zinc and lime applied at 20kg Zn/ha and 5 t/ha, respectively, significantly produced higher grain yield as well as increased zinc concentration of Bambara groundnut grains which are very vital in the diet and nutrition of mankind to curb the ravaging effect of hidden hunger and malnutrition among the rural populace and were therefore suggested for recommendation by farmers in Southeastern Nigeria.