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

An Evaluation of the Impact of Research Skills Training on Students’ Academic Performance in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital

Background of the Study

Research skills are essential in nursing education, enabling students to critic...

Read more
An Investigation into the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Optimizing Supply Chain Processes in Lafarge Africa Plc, Borno State

Background of the Study

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about transformative changes in industries worldwide, and...

Read more
EFFECTS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL LEARNING THERAPIES ON MANAGING ADOLESCENTS AGGRESSIVENESS

ABSTRACT

The work Effects of cognitive behaviour and social learning therapies on managing adolescents aggressiveness in...

Read more
AN ASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN THE TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this study is to examine personal and environmental hygiene in the tr...

Read more
An investigation of interest rate communication strategies on customer decision-making in banking: a case study of Fortis Microfinance Bank

Background of the Study
Effective communication of interest rate policies is essential for guiding customer decision-making...

Read more
ASSESSMENT OF THE AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND UTILIZATION OF COMPUTERS ON STUDENTS’ PROFICIENCY IN WORD-PROCESSING IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study focused on assessment of the availability, accessibility and utilization of computers on students‟ proficiency in word...

Read more
Design of a Virtual Reality-Based Science Laboratory for Secondary Schools in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State

Background of the Study

The integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into education has shown immense promise, par...

Read more
A Study on the Effect of Historical Economic Policies on Urbanization Trends in Nigeria

Background of the Study (400 words)
Urbanization in Nigeria has been profoundly influenced by historical economic policies...

Read more
The Impact of ATM Network Reliability on Customer Loyalty in Banking: A Case Study of AB Microfinance Bank

Background of the Study

ATM networks serve as critical touchpoints between banks and their customers, facilitating everyday transactions...

Read more
An investigation of the role of local NGOs in tackling deforestation in Katsina Local Government Area, Katsina State

Background of the Study

Deforestation has been a growing environmental issue globally, and Katsina Local Government Area (LGA) in Katsina...

Read more
Share this page with your friends




whatsapp