INFLUENCE OF UREA FERTILIZER APPLICATION RATE AND PLANT SPACING ON THE MICRO-MINERAL COMPOSITION OF F1 PENNISETUM PURPUREUM

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Pasture site of Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, aiming to assess the micro-mineral composition of F1 Pennisetum purpureum under varying urea fertilizer rates and plant spacing. Employing a 2 x 2 factorial experiment design within a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the experiment utilized inter-plant spacing of 75 cm and 100 cm, along with urea fertilizer rates of 200 kg and 400
kg, with three replications each. The findings revealed significant variations in Zinc, Manganese, Iron, and Copper levels in F1 Pennisetum purpureum based on the combination of 75 cm plant spacing and 400 kg N/ha urea fertilizer application, resulting in elevated micro-mineral content. Furthermore, the study observed a direct correlation between increased urea fertilizer application rates and higher values of micro-mineral content. The implications of these results underscore the
importance of carefully managing urea fertilizer rates and plant spacing to optimize the micromineral composition of F1 Pennisetum purpureum. Specifically, the identified favorable conditions for enhanced Zinc, Manganese, Iron, and Copper content highlight potential strategies for improving the nutritional quality of F1 Pennisetum purpureum. This research provides valuable insights for agricultural practitioners seeking to enhance the micro-mineral composition of forage crops, contributing to improved livestock nutrition and overall agricultural productivity. In conclusion, understanding the intricate relationship between urea fertilizer rates, plant spacing, and micromineral composition offers opportunities for targeted agricultural practices aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of forage crops, thereby benefiting livestock health and agricultural sustainability.