Effect of Sulphur, Goat Manures and Intercropping on Morphophysiological and Yield Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) family of pedaliaceae, Sesame or gingelli is commonly known as til, is one of the oldest cultivated oilseed crops, known for its resilient growth in arid conditions and highly valued seeds for their oil and nutritional content. Sesame is considered as a drought tolerant crop. Often hailed as the “Queen of Oilseeds”, it owes this distinction to its remarkably high oil content, which can reach to 63%, surpassing the quality of other oilseed crops such as groundnut (45%– 56%), sunflower (45%), rapeseed (40%), and soybean (20%) (Teklu et al., 2021). The oilseeds are very important because of its capability of synthesis of sulphur containing amino acids, vitamins, and constituent inhuman dietary system next to carbohydrates, protein and fats (Mohsana, 2009). Sesame seed cake contains 32% crude protein and 8–10% oil, making it an essential feed for livestock, poultry, and small ruminants (Kabinda et al., 2022). To address these issues, improving seed quality, optimizing sowing times, applying recommended fertilizer dosages, and implementing effective pest management strategies can help increase sesame productivity and profitability for farmers.

Intercropping, the practice of growing two or more crops in proximity, is a promising strategy for enhancing sesame (Sesamum indicum) production. Research by Ghosh et al., (2004) highlights its potential to optimize land use, boost biodiversity, and improve soil health. Intercropping sesame with legumes like cowpeas can enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, as noted by Khan et al., (2017). Additionally, diverse cropping systems can disrupt pest life cycles, contributing to sustainable pest management, a finding supported by (Pérez et al., (2019). Intercropping is the practice of growing more than one crop simultaneously in alternating rows of the same field (Beets 1990).

Sulphur playa key role in plant metabolism, indispensable for the synthesis of essential oils, chlorophyll formation, required for development of cells and it also increase cold resistance and drought hardiness of crops especially for oil seeds crops (Patel et al., 1995). In oilseeds, Sulphur plays significantly increasing the yield and oil content of sesame (Deshmukh et al., 2010) and helps in improving quality and boldness in seeds. Therefore, oilseed crops require large amount of sulphur for better development and growth to obtain higher yield (Salwa et al., 2010).

Sulphur deficiency is becoming more critical with each passing year which is severely restricting crop yield, produce quality and nutrient use efficiency. Sulphur, therefore, is now very much apart of balanced fertilization because inS deficient areas. Its deficiency results in reduced plant height and stunted growth, impairs tillering capacity and delayed maturity. Sulfur deficient plants have also less resistance under stress conditions (Dobermann 2000). Sulphur application not only improved the grain yield but also improved the quality of crops. (Kathiresan 2002).

Among several types of organic manures, goat manure is significantly known for high level of potassium which is a major component of ash and also potentially require for protein synthesis. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, pH, growth and yield parameters increase with the application of goat manure. (Barlow & Curran (2015). It not only improves soil conditions but also enhances the growth of sesame. Goat manure is rich inessential macronutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), which are critical for plant health (Hartatik and Widowati, 2006).Goat manure is a new technique that doesn'thurt the environment and can allow nutrient-rich organic soil fertilizer development. Goat manure is reported to contain enough nutrients to meet the needs of plants for optimal growth. It is still shameful that manure is not usually put on agricultural land in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations (Washaya et al., 2023).