Performance of Andropogon gayanus (KUNTH) at Different Stages of Growth in Gangam Rangeland, Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

: The research was carried out at Janzomo farm, Shagari LGA, Sokoto State. The study showed that there were variations in growth parameters, tiller production, dry matter production and moisture content at different stages of growth. The result revealed that the grass species attained the stem height, leaf number, leaf length and width of 73.2cm, 13, 46.8cm and 1.8cm respectively during 6th to 10th week growth period. These rose to 170 cm, 42, 63.4cm and 2.4cm respectively at the 12^th to 16^th week growth period. This indicated high vegetative growth occurred at the latter stage possibly due to its perennial nature. The grass species also produced 11 tillers during 6^th to 10^th week while 22 were produced during the latter stage of growth (12^th  to 16^th   week). The result further showed the dry matter production was 326.4g/m² at the 6^th to 10th week and increased to 1225.4 g/m² during the 12th to 16th growth period. The high dry matter production at the latter stage was due to maturation of tissues and complete vegetative growth. The plant should be harvested and or fed to the animals at this stage for its high dry matter content. In terms of moisture content, it was 63.8% at the 6^th to 10^th weeks and declined to 42.7% at 12^th to 16^th  week growth period. The decline was attributed to high evapo-transpiration rate and depletion of soil moisture content at latter stage of growth.

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