Agronomic Characteristics of Red Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Red) under Different Level of Nitrogen Fertilization and Harvest Ages

Abstract

This experiment aimed to find out the morphological characteristics and biomass DM production of Red Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Red) under different levels of nitrogen fertilization and harvest ages. The grass stem cuttings were planted on polybags. A Completely Randomized Factorial Design (CRFD) was employed comprising 2 treatment factors. The first factor was harvest age of K1: 50 days of age K2: 60 days of age and K3: 70 days of age and the second factor was level of N fertilization comprised P1: no fertilization, P2: 100 kg N /ha/year, P3: 200 kg N/ha/year, P4: 300 kg N/ha/year. The treatments were applied after the grasses were trimmed at 90 days after planting. The variables measured include plant height, number of tillers, leaves-to-stem ratio, and biomass production. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and least significant difference test. It was found that interaction of treatments significantly (P<0.01) affects plant height and biomass DM production. Treatments of age of harvest and level of N fertilization, respectively significantly (P<0.01) affect either number of tillers or leaves-to-stem ratio. It was concluded that K3 and P3 gave the highest value for all variables measured.