Effects of Sowing Methods on Dry Matter and Proximate Composition of Two Rangeland Grasses in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Abstract

The research is on the effects fertilizer sources and planting pattern on the growth of the two grass species was conducted at Janzomo farm, Shagari LGA, Sokoto State. Sokoto lies on Latitude 12.00⁰ and 13.60⁰N, Longitude 4.80⁰ and 6.50⁰E and 350m above sea level. . It involved sole planting of A. gayanus, P. pedicellatum and combination of the two grasses. The seeds were drilled and broadcasted in fertilizer treated and untreated plots of 2.5m x 2.5m under rain fed conditions. The results indicated that drilled plants produced significantly (P<0.05) higher amount of biomass which was attributed to large number of leaves and tillers produced in the drilled plots. This was possibly due to competition for space and resources in which plants maximized space to occupy and survive. These led to production of more leaves for photosynthetic activities hence production of higher biomass. Drilled plants had significantly higher Cp and Ash content than broadcasted plants. The higher Cp and Ash content of drilled plants was possibly due to large number of leaves and tillers. The high Cf and Ee content of the broadcasted plants were attributed to the stemmy nature of the plants as they were taller and accumulated more fibrous tissues required for mechanical support to the plants.

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