EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS ON THE CHEMICAL AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF NAPIER GRASS UNDER IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers on the chemical and mineral compositions Napier grass (Pennisetum puerperium) under irrigation system in Yola, Adamawa State. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, having three treatments, replicated three times

and each plot measuring 3x3m. The experiment was carried out between December 2021 to April 2022 and irrigation system was practiced. The three treatments were NPK fertilizer (T1) applied 30 DAP (days after planting) at 250 kg/ha, cow dung (T2) applied after plotting at 7 ton/ha and no fertilizer (T3). Based on the

laboratory results of the chemical composition, the dry matter (DM), crude fibre (CF), organic matter (OM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased with maturity. However, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash and nitrogen free extract (NFE) decreased with maturity. Consequently, the

mineral composition of the grass followed the trend of its ash content. That is, with increased maturity, the mineral contents reduced. The experiment reveals that among the three different treatments, organic fertilizer (cow dung) had better chemical and mineral compositions. It is therefore, recommended that cow dung at 7

ton/ha be used for better chemical and mineral compositions and also, earlier harvesting stage should be prioritized in order to have Napier grass with high CP and low fibre.