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.
Related Project Materials
The Effect of Decentralized Governance Policies on Local Development in Keffi Local Government, Nasarawa State
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Decentralization is a governance model that seeks to distribute administr...
An Examination of the Effect of Poor Financial Reporting on SME Growth in Nigeria: A Case Study of SMEs in Lagos Island
Background of the Study
Financial reporting is essential for measuring the performance and health of a business. For SMEs i...
The Role of Artificial Intelligence-Powered Property Valuation Models: A Case Study of Housing Estates in Abuja, FCT
1.1 Background of the Study
Property valuation is an essential component of real estate transactions, ensuring accurate...
Evaluation of Responsibility Accounting in Public Sector Transparency in Kontagora LGA
Background of the Study
Responsibility accounting is a managerial accounting system th...
The effect of CSR expenditure on employee satisfaction in Nigerian manufacturing firms: A study of Nigerian Breweries Plc
Background of the Study
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly being recognized as a strategic business prac...
EVALUATION OF SMARTPHONE USAGE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION
Background to the Study
Because the smartphone has taken the world by storm, there are now more smartph...
The Influence of Financial Reporting Quality on Shareholder Value: A Study of Fidelity Bank in Bauchi State
Financial reporting is a critical component of corporate governance and transparency. It provides shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders w...
THE ROLE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN DIGITAL LITERACY
ABSTRACT: The role of early childhood education in digital literacy is cri...
The Role of Tax Education Programs in Jos North LGA
Background of the Study
Tax education programs are essential for improving taxpayer compliance and enhancing government rev...
INFLUENCE OF RADIO OWNERSHIP ON PROFESSIONAL
Background of the study
The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria is the Pioneer Broadcast Organization in Nigeria with a rich culture of...
