Evaluation of growth and herbage yield of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) as affected by nitrogen fertilizer and inter-row spacing in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the growth and herbage yield of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) as affected by nitrogen fertilizer and inter-row spacing at Dabagi Farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto during 2017 rainy season. The experiment consisted of five Nitrogen fertilizer levels (0,100,120,140 and 160 Kgha^-1) and three inter-row spacing (30, 50 and 70 cm) laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on growth parameters (plant height, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves and number of tillers), fresh and dry matter yields. Results obtained show no significant effect (P>0.05) of spacing on growth parameters and herbage yields across the week intervals but Significant effect (P<0.05) existed with nitrogen fertilizer levels at 9 and 12WAS and on fresh and dry herbage yield after harvest. Significant effect (P<0.05) also occurred on growth parameters due to interaction between the factors at 9 and 12 WAS. Interaction between factors also yielded a significant effect (P<0.05) on the fresh and dry matter yields with 120 KgNha^-1 ×30 cm having the highest mean herbage yield. It was concluded that the combination of 120 KgNha^-1 ×30 cm is optimum for Rhodes grass production in the study area.