Effects of nitrogen application and stage of development on yield and nutritional value of rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)
1996
Daniel Keftasa (Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit (Ethiopia))
Effects of stages of development and nitrogen application on dry matter yield and nutritional value of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were studied during four growing seasons at Kulumsa, Ethiopia. Rates of growth and nutritional value of the grass were strongly influenced by nitrogen application and seasons of growth. Growth rates ranged from 29 to 96 kg ha-1 day-1 (measured up to approximately 100 percent heading stage). As the grass matured, fibre and lignin contents increased, whereas digestibility, crude protein and major minerals declined. Daily mean rates of decline in crude protein were 0.16 percent and 0.11 percent and the vitro organic matter digestibility were 0.33 percent and 0.21 percent with and without nitrogen application, respectively. Nitrogen application improved crude protein content and digestibility of the grass at early stage, but the fertilized grass matured faster and contained more fibre and lignin and less crude protein, and lower digestibility than unfertilized grass at later developmental stages. It is concluded that the grass should be fertilized at a rate of 92 kg N ha-1 yr-1 and cut (or grazed) before the heading stage.
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