Influence of seed rate and NPK fertilizer on yield and quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana L. kunth.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2007 at the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan, to investigate the effect of seed rate and NPK fertilization on yield and quality of Rhodes grass forage (Chloris gayana L. Kunth) cv. Finecut. The treatment consisted of three seed rates (SDR1, SDR2 and SDR3) namely 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha and three NPK fertilizer levels (F0, F1 and F2) namely 0, 120 and 240 kg/ha respectively. NPK fertilizer components were N17 P17 K17. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial CRBD with four replications. The results showed that seed rate significantly increased forage fresh and dry yield. NPK fertilization significantly increased forage fresh and dry yield. Neither seed rate nor NPK fertilization were significantly affected crude protein and fiber content of leaves and stems of Rhodes grass, but the increase in seed rate and fertilizer levels slightly increased crude protein and decreased fiber percentage. Seed rate ×NPK fertilization interaction showed significant effect on crude protein and crude fiber contents. The highest protein percentage obtained under SDR2 (10kg/ha) with highest NPK fertilization level F2 (240 kg/ha), and lowest value obtained under SDR1(5kg/ha) with NPK fertilization F1(120kg/ha) and SDR1(5kg/ha) under control of fertilizer treatment (F0). Regarding crude fiber, highest value obtained under SDR2(10 kg/ha) with NPK fertilization F1 (120kg/ha) and SDR3 (15 kg/ha) under control treatments of fertilization (F0).