In many tropical and sub-tropical countries, Elephant Grass
is a very popular forage, and in West Africa, it serves an important
nutritional role in various meals. Poultry manure is an eco-friendly, valuable
source of organic matter and nutrients that improve soil fertility and promote
the development and growth of crops. Despite the availability of poultry manure
and its numerous benefits, there’s limited knowledge on the most suitable
application rates of this manure to elephant grass. This study, conducted at
the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, teaching and research
farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, investigated the effect of varying rates
of poultry manure on the morphological characteristics of Elephant Grass
(Pennisetum purpureum) and its phytochemical constituents. Elephant grass
shoots were sourced from a local farmers. The experiment employed a Completely
Randomised Design (CRD) with five treatments: 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20
tons of poultry manure per hectare, replicated five times. Morphological
parameters, including stem height, stem girth, leaf length, and number of
shoots, were measured weekly for eight weeks after planting. Phytochemicals
analysis was performed on a BUCK M910 Gas chromatography equipped with a flame
ionisation detector. The data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance
(ANOVA). Results demonstrated that poultry manure significantly (P<0.05)
influenced elephant grass growth from weeks 2 to 8, while only stem height was
significant in week 1. Although the application rates of 10 and 15 t/ha did not
differ significantly (P>0.05), the 15 tons/ha application rate consistently
produced the highest mean values across all morphological parameters, closely
followed by the 10 tons/ha rate. Notably, the control treatment (0 tons/ha)
exhibited the lowest growth responses, highlighting the critical role of
organic amendments in soil fertility and plant development. The 20 tons/ha rate
surprisingly underperformed compared to moderate rates, suggesting potential
nutrient toxicity or soil structure complications at higher application levels.
The study concluded that moderate poultry manure application rates (10-15
tons/ha) optimise elephant grass establishment by providing an ideal balance of
nutrients, improving soil moisture retention, and enhancing microbial activity.
Ultimately, the research recommends a 10 tons/ha application rate for farmers,
balancing cost-effectiveness, environmental considerations, and forage
production efficiency. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term
impacts of poultry manure application on soil health and its effects on other
forage species to improve manure application recommendations.
Author(s) Details
Onwubiko, G. N.
Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Okwor, A. P.
Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6706
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