Effect of Cattle Slurry on Growth, Biomass Yield and Chemical Composition of Maize Fodder

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of cattle slurry on maize fodder (Zea mays) production. Maize fodder was produced at 4 cattle slurry levels T 0 (0 ton/ha), T 1 (10 ton/ha), T 2 (12 ton/ha) and T 3 (14 ton/ha) in a randomized block design. Agronomic characteristics, plant heights, circumference of stems, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter yield of maize fodder were measured. Maize plant height and stem circumference were significantly (p<0.01) influenced by the increasing rate of cattle slurry at 15, 30, 45 and 56 days after sowing. Number of leaves of fodder plants was not significant but leaf area was significant (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. The highest biomass yield (p<0.01) of maize fodder was observed in T 2 (44.0 ton/ha). For crude protein content, a significant difference (p<0.01) was observed in the treatment groups and the highest value was observed in T 2 (11.99%). Organic matter content of maize fodder showed a significant difference but ash, ADF and NDF contents showed no significant differences among treatment groups. From this study it may be concluded that the application of 12 tons of cattle slurry/ha was optimal for production of biomass and nutrient content of maize fodder.

Comparative study on the effect of bio-slurry and inorganic N-fertilizer on growth and yield of kale (Brassica oleracea L.)

“…The highest and lowest was achieved by the application of 100% liquid bio-slurry and control treatment, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer, either organic or inorganic, always affects vegetative growth of the fodder and cereals; and therefore, the increase in the application of liquid bioslurry and yield maximization of kale was in line with the results reported by Rahman et al (2008). Similarly, the increase in dry biomass of kale on the application of biogas slurry in combination of N inorganic fertilizer was in line with the results reported by Yu et al (2010).…”

“…The lowest number of leaves per plant in the control treatment could be due to the insufficient nitrogen supply of plants and resulting in reduction of plant productivity and thereby reducing the number of leaves per plant (Shangguan et al, 2000). Moreover, the finding is also similar to the results reported by Rahman et al (2008).…”

Impact of potassium rates and their application time on dry matter partitioning, biomass and harvest index of maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) with and without cattle dung application

“…The experiment under cattle dung performed better in terms of higher number of leaves plant -1 and mean leaf area in maize. According to Rahman et al (2008), application of cattle slurry did not showed a significant effect on number of leaves but the average leaf area plant -1 was increased significantly. The increase in number of leaves plant -1 and leaf area plant -1 with organic fertilizer application was reported earlier Goenadi (1985).…”

Integrated use of manure and fertilizers increases rice yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in the boro-fallow-t.aman rice cropping pattern

“…As stated by Rahman et al (2008), unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has affected soil health, causing a substantial decrease in soil organic carbon. As a general rule, use of organic fertilizers especially in composted form produces positive effect on soil health and fertility, which consequents increased crop yield on a long-term basis (Mehdizadeh et al, 2013).…”