0704-883-0675     |      dataprojectng@gmail.com

EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND PLANT SPACING ON TWO PASTURE GRASSES (Brachiaria decumbens and Digitaria decumbens )

  • Project Research
  • 1-5 Chapters
  • Abstract : Available
  • Table of Content: Available
  • Reference Style: APA
  • Recommended for : Student Researchers
  • NGN 5000

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted in the early growing season (April- July) of 2014 at the Teaching and Research farm of the University of Benin. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of  three rates (0, 120, 240 kg ha-1) of NPK fertilizer and 2 plant spacings (30 x 30 cm and 30 x 40 cm) on the growth and herbage yield of two pasture grasses (Brachiaria decumbens and Digitaria decumbens). The 12 factorial treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated 3 times. Rooted propagules of uniform height (10 cm) were transplanted into the plots based on treatments. Fertilizer was applied at 6 weeks after transplanting to the respective plots when the seedlings had established. Variables measured at 6, 12 and 18 weeks after transplanting were sward height (cm), number of tillers and fresh herbage yield (kg ha-1). All variables decreased in values between 12 and 18 WAT. However, at 12 WAT Brachiaria decumbens furnished significantly heavier fresh herbage yield ( 5.9 t ha-1) compared to Digitaria decumbens (5.3 t ha-1). Generally, the variables increased as fertilizer application increased. The trend for fresh herbage yield was 240 kg ha-1 NPK (7.6 t ha-1) > 120 kg ha-1 NPK ( 6.1 t ha-1) > 0 kg ha-1 NPK (3.1 t ha-1). Brachiaria decumbens obtained the significantly ( p < 0.05) tallest sward height (120.2 cm) at 12 WAT and the heighest number of tillers (52.8) at 18 WAT with the highest rate of fertilizer application. At 12 WAT, the wider plant spacing (30 x 40 cm) furnished significantly (P < 0.05) more tillers (45.1) than the narrow spacing (30 x 30 cm). In conclusion, Brachiaria decumbens exhibited better growth and yield attributes than Digitaria decumbens. Fertilizer application exhibited a linear effect for all the variables. The wider spaced plants produced more tillers than the closely spaced plants. The relatively high fresh herbage yields recorded by both grasses imply they can provide sufficient fodder for numerous ruminant livestock.




FIND OTHER RELATED TOPICS


Related Project Materials

EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

ABSTRACT

The demands and expectations from local government councils over the years ha...

Read more
An Examination of Nurses' Workload and Burnout in Psychiatric Hospitals in Sokoto State

Background of the Study

Nurses in psychiatric hospitals are essential in providing care for patients...

Read more
The Effect of Excise Taxes on Consumer Goods Prices in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Alcoholic Beverage Industry

Background of the Study

Excise taxes are specific taxes imposed on the production, sal...

Read more
Assessment of Print Media Coverage of Climate Change Issues: A Study of Wamakko Local Government, Sokoto State

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The print media plays a vital role in raising awareness and shaping publi...

Read more
OPTIMUM DESIGN OF THE THICKNESS OF CARBON FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER MATERIAL (CFRP) REQUIRED FOR STRENGTHENING OF DEFICIENT REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM

Abstract

A Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) has emerged as promising material for rehabilitation of existing reinforced concrete st...

Read more
The Impact of Market Structure on Firm Performance in Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector

Background of the Study
The telecommunications sector in Nigeria has undergone dramatic transformation since liberalization...

Read more
An Evaluation of Service Accessibility Innovations on Market Expansion in Banking: A Case Study of Union Bank of Nigeria

Background of the Study

Service accessibility innovations are essential for expanding a bank’s market presence, particularly in reg...

Read more
The Effect of Foreign Exchange Policies on Financial Reporting in Nigeria: A Study of Export-Import Companies

Background of the Study

Foreign exchange policies play a vital role in shaping the financial environment of any country,...

Read more
An evaluation of the role of open educational resources (OER) in online learning for secondary school students in Maiduguri East LGA, Borno State

Background of the Study :
The integration of open educational resources (OER) into online learning has emerged as a transfo...

Read more
The impact of community radio stations on local governance participation in Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State.

Background of the study
Community radio stations have emerged as vital communication platforms that foster civic engagemen...

Read more
Share this page with your friends




whatsapp