FERTILIZER EFFECTS OF BOVINE RUMEN CONTENT ON PERFORMANCE OF GAMBA GRASS (ANDROPOGON GAYANUS) IN SEMI-ARID REGION, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Animal waste in developing countries like Nigeria due to its bulky, low-grade composition and high water content. Research on the use of this waste as a plant nutrient source is limited, but Gamba grass has shown potential as a high-yielding option for utilizing these wastes. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of bovine rumen content as fertilizer on growth components, yield and quality of Andropogon gayanus (Gamba Grass) in semi-arid region of Borno state. A Nine plots measuring 3m x 3m each were laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) Three levels (0, 8 and 12t/ha-1) of bovine rumen content were applied into the soil with three replication. Gamba grass tiller crown were transplanted at 50cm x 50cm intra and inter row spacing. The parameters measured were plant heigh, plant width, leaf width, leaf length and number of tillers while a cutting of 10cm from each treatment (replicate) was done at different age after transplanting (4,6 and 8 weeks) and yield harvesting was done at 97 days. The results indicated that bovine rumen content significantly (P<0.05) influenced growth components of A.gayanus. There wass no significant (p>0.05) effect on all growth components at weeks 4 and 10 between the treatment (0, 8, and 12t/ha-1) respectively. However, it was observed that plant height increasde with increase in number of cutting interval with the higher regrowth at 10 WAT with 108.60 at 8ton/ha, and lowest with 96.60 regrowth height at 0ton/ha respectively. Based on the findings of this study, it was suggested that rumen contents at the rate of 12ton/ha is recommended. The study recommended that further studies should be carried out during the raining season to ascertain the potential yield and herbage quality of A.
gayanus on different rumen contents rates.