Morphology, Biomass Production, and Nutrient Analysis Four Napier Grass Cultivar (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) in Teak Tree Forest Area Megeri Village, Blora, Central Java

Abstract

This study aims to determine the morphology, biomass production and nutrient analysis of four cultivars of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) in teak tree forest area Megeri village, Blora Regency, Central Java. Four cultivars of napier grass namely Gama Umami, Biovitas, Pakchong, and Zanzibar being cultivated in teak tree forest area. The teak tree forest area was in Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus (KHDTK) UGM. Previously there was no cultivation of new improved napier grass cultivars in KHDTK. Therefore, it is interestingly to investigate the introduction and growth ability in this area. Grasses were cultivated using stem cuttings approximately 15 cm and maintained for 4 months using a completely randomized design with 4 replications for each cultivar. During the cultivation period, morphological characteristics were observed including plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and tiller numbers. Plant was harvested after 4 month of cultivation and determine for biomass production and nutritional value of grass. The morphological characteristics and nutrient analysis among napier grass cultivars showed the similar trend. Gama Umami, Biovitas, and Pakchong had significantly higher biomass production than that Zanzibar cultivar.