Effects of different cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>) Varieties on Soil Microbial Population and Biomass Carbon

Abstract

The study determined the effects of different cowpea varieties on soil microbial population and biomass carbon. Rhizosphere soils of six  different cowpea varieties were selected based on their nodulating ability. This study selected two of the most nodulating varieties (Ife  Brown and Tvu113), two medium nodulating varieties (IT08K-150-27 and IT07K-230-2-9) and two least nodulating varieties (Sanzi and IRS-09-1106-4) for analysis. The laboratory was used to assess the microbial population and soil biomass carbon content. Findings  indicate that the soil surrounding the roots (rhizosphere soil) of IT08K-150-27 which was of the medium nodulating variety gave the  highest microbial population and biomass carbon. Thus, IT08K-150-27 outperformed other varieties in boosting soil microbial activities, consequently improving soil health. Owning to the results obtained in the study, it can be concluded that nodulation ability in cowpea  might not proportionately affect soil microbial activity in the rhizosphere soils.