Modeling cowpea variety and planting window for sustainable intensification in Northern Ghana
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University for Development Studies
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Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) plays a crucial role in smallholder crop-livestock farming systems in Northern Ghana, providing both grain for human consumption and fodder for livestock. However,
climate variability and suboptimal agronomic practices have contributed to low yields, averaging 600 kg/ha compared to the potential 2,500 kg/ha. This study aimed to calibrate and validate the DSSAT-CROPGRO model for simulating the performance of six cowpea varieties (Padituya, Wankyae, Kirkhouse Benga, IITA, UDS, Nanbambaya) under varying planting dates and climate conditions. Field experiments were conducted at Golinga (calibration trial) and Cheyohi (validation trial), employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
Key parameters measured included days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, grain yield, fodder yield, and chlorophyll content. Model calibration results showed a strong correlation
between simulated and observed data, with coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.89 for grain yield, 0.85 for days to flowering, and 0.87 for fodder yield. The root mean square error
(RMSE) for grain yield was 105 kg/ha, indicating good model performance. Validation results at Cheyohi further confirmed the model’s accuracy, with simulated grain yields ranging from 950
kg/ha to 1,850 kg/ha across different planting dates, closely matching observed values. Among the varieties, Padituya and Kirkhouse Benga demonstrated the highest yield potential, exceeding 1,800 kg/ha under optimal conditions. Additionally, early planting (1st–15th July) resulted in significantly higher grain yields (P < 0.05) and reduced pest damage. The findings highlight the potential of integrating cowpea varieties with optimized planting windows to enhance both grain and fodder production.
Palabras clave
cowpeas, vigna unguiculata, climate change, food security, sustainable intensification, varieties, ghana