Effects of cutting frequency and fertilizer-N application on growth and production on guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq) sown pasture

Authors

  • C. C. Onyeonagu University of Nigerian, Nsukka.
  • J. E. Asiegbu University of Nigerian, Nsukka.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v38i2.2810

Keywords:

Cutting regime, nitrogen fertilizer, plant height, establishment

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effects of cutting frequency and fertilizer-N rates on growth and production of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq). The experiment was conducted in Nsukka, Nigeria. Treatments comprised four levels of fertilizer N (0, 150, 300 and 450 kg N ha ') and four cutting intervals (3, 6, 9 and 12 weekly intervals). Plant height, tiller number and herbage dry matter yields were significantly increased by 6%, 44% and 53%, respectively, during the establishment year when fertilizer-Nrate was increased from 0 to 450 kg N ha'. The extent of weed cover was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 33% in 2000 when fertilizer-N rate was increased from 0 to 450 kg N ha'. Increase in interval between cuts from 3 to 12 weeks significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant height in all the years. Plant height was increased (P < 0.05) by 28% 34% and 28% in 2001, 2002 and 2004, respectively, when fertilizer N was increased from 0 to 450 kg ha'. Application of Nat 450 kg ha produced similar plant heights in 2001 with the 300 kg N ha' but differed from the 150 kg N ha'. Increase in nitrogen application progressively increased (P<0.05) plant height in 2002 and 2004.

Key words: , , , 

Author Biographies

C. C. Onyeonagu, University of Nigerian, Nsukka.

Department of Crop Science 

J. E. Asiegbu, University of Nigerian, Nsukka.

Department of Crop Science

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Published

2021-02-01

How to Cite

Onyeonagu, C. C., & Asiegbu, J. E. (2021). Effects of cutting frequency and fertilizer-N application on growth and production on guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq) sown pasture . Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 38(2), 178–183. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v38i2.2810

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 2 (2011)

Section

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