Научная статья на тему 'Influence of harvesting height and fertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia'

Influence of harvesting height and fertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia Текст научной статьи по специальности «Сельское хозяйство, лесное хозяйство, рыбное хозяйство»

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Ключевые слова
Desho grass / Dry matter yield / Fertilizer rate / Harvesting cycle / Harvesting height

Аннотация научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству, автор научной работы — Fromsa Ijara

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using different fertilizer rates and harvesting heights on morphological characteristics, biomass yield and economic feasibility of desho grass (Pennisetum Glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The factors of the treatments were four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and four harvesting heights (25, 50, 75 and 100 cm). Data on morphological characteristics and forage yield at each harvesting height were collected and analyzed using the general linear model procedures of SAS version (9.4) and the Duncan multiple range test was used for mean comparison. The tiller number was higher (P<0.05) when harvested at 100 cm height compared to those harvested at 75,50 and 25 cm height of harvesting after planting and 150 kgNPS/ha applied during the combined analysis. The tiller number found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.05) than at the first harvest. The number of leaves per plant was significantly increased with increasing NPS fertilizer rate (P<0.001), increment of harvesting height (P<0.001) and harvesting cycle (P<0.001). The leaf number per plant counted at 25 cm height was lower (P<0.05) than the other heights of harvest with no significant differences between 75 and 100 cm heights of harvesting at combined analysis. The leaf number was higher (P<0.05) at the application of 150kgNPS/ha than the others at the combined analysis. The leaf number found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.05) than at the first harvest. Leaf length was significantly increased with an increase of NPS fertilizer rate and increment of cutting height (P<0.05) but not affected by the harvesting cycle (P>0.05). At the combined analysis result, the leaf length at 100cm height was longer (P<0.05) than those harvested at 75, 50 and 25 cm heights of harvesting. The leaf length was higher (P<0.05) at the application of 150kgNPS/ha than the others while there was no significant difference between 50 and 100 kgNPS/ha. Days to forage harvest was higher (P<0.05) than those harvested at 75, 50 and 25 cm height when harvested at 100 cm height while lower by application of 150 and 100 kgNPS/ha when compared with unfertilized and 50kgNPS/ha during combined analysis. The leaf stem ratio was higher (P<0.05) when harvested at 25 cm than three harvesting heights while intermediate result was found at 50 and 75 cm during the combined analysis result. A higher (P<0.05) leaf stem ratio was found by application of 150kgNPS/ha when compared with 100 and 50 kgNPS/ha or no fertilizer. Dry matter yield was increased with increasing NPS fertilizer rate and increased with increment of harvesting height (P<0.05). The leaf percentage found at 25cm was higher (P<0.05) than those later three heights of harvesting while the higher leaf percentage was found by application of 150 kgNPS/ha when compared with 100 and 50 kgNPS/ha or no fertilizer. The stem percentage found at 100 cm was higher (P<0.05) than at 75, 50 and 25 cm heights of harvesting. The lower stem percentage was at the application of 150 kgNPS/ha than 100, 50 kgNPS/ha, or no fertilizer. The partial budget analysis result revealed that the net benefit-cost ratio found at the application of 150 kgNPS/ha at 75 cm height was higher than other combinations while the least benefit-cost ratio was at 25 cm height with no fertilizer. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that utilization of 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer rate combined with 75 cm height of harvesting could be used in the cultivation of desho grass to achieve higher at the most agronomic performance, biomass yield and Cost-benefit ratio (6.04). Further investigation is needed using different organic and inorganic fertilizers in different agroecological zones across years under rain-fed and irrigation conditions.

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Текст научной работы на тему «Influence of harvesting height and fertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia»

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 2024,14(1), 26-42, doi: 10.15421/2024_534

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Influence of harvesting height and fertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia

Fromsa Ijara*

Department of Agriculture, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Wondogenet Agricultural Research

Center, P.O. Box 198, Shashemene, Ethiopia Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected] Received: 06 January, 2024; Manuscript No: UJE-24-125125; Editor assigned: 08 January, 2024, PreQC No: P-125125; Reviewed: 20 January, 2024, QC No: Q-125125; Revised: 25 January, 2024, Manuscript

No: R-125125; Published: 31 January, 2024

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using different fertilizer rates and harvesting heights on morphological characteristics, biomass yield and economic feasibility of desho grass (Pennisetum Giaucffoiium) under supplementary irrigation in Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The factors of the treatments were four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and four harvesting heights (25, 50, 75 and 100 cm). Data on morphological characteristics and forage yield at each harvesting height were collected and analyzed using the general linear model procedures of SAS version (9.4) and the Duncan multiple range test was used for mean comparison. The tiller number was higher (P<0.05) when harvested at 100 cm height compared to those harvested at 75,50 and 25 cm height of harvesting after planting and 150 kgNPS/ha applied during the combined analysis. The tiller number found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.05) than at the first harvest. The number of leaves per plant was significantly increased with increasing NPS fertilizer rate (P<0.001), increment of harvesting height (P<0.001) and harvesting cycle (P<0.001). The leaf number per plant counted at 25 cm height was lower (P<0.05) than the other heights of harvest with no significant differences between 75 and 100 cm heights of harvesting at combined analysis. The leaf number was higher (P<0.05) at the application of 150kgNPS/ha than the others at the combined analysis. The leaf number found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.05) than at the first harvest. Leaf length was significantly increased with an increase of NPS fertilizer rate and increment of cutting height (P<0.05) but not affected by the harvesting cycle (P>0.05). At the combined analysis result, the leaf length at 100cm height was longer (P<0.05) than those harvested at 75, 50 and 25 cm heights of harvesting. The leaf length was higher (P<0.05) at the application of 150kgNPS/ha than the others while there was no significant difference between 50 and 100 kgNPS/ha. Days to forage harvest was higher (P<0.05) than those harvested at 75, 50 and 25 cm height when harvested at 100 cm height while lower by application of 150 and 100 kgNPS/ha when compared with unfertilized and 50kgNPS/ha during combined analysis. The leaf stem ratio was higher (P<0.05) when harvested at 25 cm than three harvesting heights while intermediate result was found at 50 and 75 cm during the combined analysis result. A higher (P<0.05) leaf stem ratio was found by application of 150kgNPS/ha when compared with 100 and 50 kgNPS/ha or no fertilizer. Dry matter yield was increased with increasing NPS fertilizer rate and increased with increment of harvesting height (P<0.05). The leaf percentage found at 25cm was higher (P<0.05) than those later three heights of harvesting

while the higher leaf percentage was found by application of 150 kgNPS/ha when compared with 100 and 50 kgNPS/ha or no fertilizer. The stem percentage found at 100 cm was higher (P<0.05) than at 75, 50 and 25 cm heights of harvesting. The lower stem percentage was at the application of 150 kgNPS/ha than 100, 50 kgNPS/ha, or no fertilizer. The partial budget analysis result revealed that the net benefit-cost ratio found at the application of 150 kgNPS/ha at 75 cm height was higher than other combinations while the least benefit-cost ratio was at 25 cm height with no fertilizer. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that utilization of 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer rate combined with 75 cm height of harvesting could be used in the cultivation of desho grass to achieve higher at the most agronomic performance, biomass yield and Cost-benefit ratio (6.04). Further investigation is needed using different organic and inorganic fertilizers in different agroecological zones across years under rain-fed and irrigation conditions.

Keywords: Desho grass, Dry matter yield, Fertilizer rate, Harvesting cycle, Harvesting height.

Introduction

Livestock plays a crucial role in Ethiopian agriculture. Currently, productivity per animal is very low and the contribution of the livestock sector to the overall economy is much lower than expected. Despite many factors constraining the development of this sector, the major constraint of low productivity of Ethiopian livestock is a shortage of feeds in terms of quantity and quality (Shapiro, BI., et al., 2015). The major causes of feed shortage are diminishing natural pastures/grazing land, population growth, expansion of cropping at the expense of grazing lands and expansion of degradable lands, which can no longer support either annual crops or pastures. The main feed resources for livestock in Ethiopia are natural pasture and crop residues, which are low in quantity and quality for sustainable animal production (Tessema, Z and Baars, RMT. 2004; Zewdu, T., et al., 2002). To improve livestock production, sustainable solutions to seasonal deficiencies in feed availability and quality are required through proper management and utilization of forage crops. The use of indigenous forage as a feed source is among the options under the present conditions of tropical countries to increase the production and productivity of livestock. According to Anele, UY., et al., 2009, indigenous forages are familiar with smallholder farmers, grow with low inputs and are adaptable to different agroecological conditions. Thus, one of the major interference areas to boost livestock production in Ethiopia is the use of indigenous forage like desho grass as the major source of feed (Asmare, B., et al., 2017). Desho is an indigenous grass of Ethiopia belonging to the family Poaceae (Smith, G. 2010; Welle, S., et al., 2006). Currently, the grass is utilized as a means of soil conservation practices and animal feed in the highlands of Ethiopia. Desho grass is drought-resistant and used as feed for ruminants. Desho has the potential to meet the challenges of feed scarcity since it provides more forage per unit area and ensures regular forage supply due to its multi-cut nature and it provides high yields of green herbage ranging between 30-109 t/ha. Desho grass is suitable for intensive management and performs well at an altitude ranging from 1500 to 2800 masl (Leta, G., et al., 2013). The combined benefits of desho grass suggest the use of the grass as a potential feed source, sold as fodder for income generation and means of soil conservation in the mixed crop-livestock production systems of Ethiopia (Genet Tilahun, GT., et al., 2017). Desho grass is found in different parts of the country and is the most productive grass. There is some information on the management practices of desho grass that influence dry matter yield and morphological characteristics when grown with Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, Urea fertilizer and harvesting date. However, information regarding the effect of NPS fertilizer and height of harvesting on biomass yield and morphological characteristics of desho grasses under supplementary irrigation is lacking. Therefore; the current study was designed to evaluate the morphological characteristics, yield performance and economic feasibility of desho grass under different fertilizer levels and harvesting heights across the harvesting cycle.

Materials and Methods Description of the study area

The field experiment was conducted at Wondogenet Agricultural Research Center from September 2019 to May 2020 under supplementary irrigation. The Wondogenet is located about 264 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa and 23 kilometers east of Hawassa, the capital city of the Sidama Regional state. The experimental site is located at 07°19.1' North latitude, 38°30' East

longitude an altitude of 1780 meters above sea level. The area has a mean annual rainfall of 1128 mm with a minimum and maximum temperature of 11 and 26 °C, respectively. The soil type (0-30 cm) is sandy clay loam with 0.14% total N, pH of (6.4%), Organic carbon (2.2%), low available phosphorus (12.21%) and sulfur (14.12).

Treatments and experimental design

The experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangements (4 x 4) with four harvesting heights (25, 50, 75 and 100 cm), four fertilizer levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 50 100 and 150 kgNPS/ha) and two harvesting cycle each with three replications. It consisted totally 16 treatments with a total of 48 experimental plots. The spacing between the rows and plants of desho grass was 50 and 25 cm, respectively (Worku et al. 2017). The space between the plot and block was 1 and 1.5 m, respectively with plot size 3 x 4 m (12 m2). The study was carried out using a desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) variety called Kulumsa. Land preparation, planting, weeding and harvesting were done according to the recommendations (Leta, G., et al., 2013). The experimental field was ploughed using a tractor and plots were leveled manually. Desho grass vegetative root splits were planted in rows on well-prepared soil in rain-fed conditions and carried out by supplementary irrigation. Based on the experimental design, each treatment was randomly assigned to the experimental unit within a block. Blended NPS fertilizer was applied at the establishment of the experiment. Irrigation was applied three times a week for the first month and one time a week afterward (Kefyalew, A., et al., 2020). Each block and plot were irrigated separately.

Data collection and forage sampling

Data on the physical appearance of plant growth was taken from the row next to the border row on both sides, five plants per plot were selected and tagged randomly for the various measurements according to Tarawali, SA., et al. (1995). The tiller number per plant was carried out by counting the number of tillers on five randomly selected plants and the average was calculated. The number of leaves per plant was carried out by counting the number of leaves within the tillers of five plants and the average was calculated. Length of leaf per plant was measured by measuring tape taken from five plants and the average was calculated. Dry matter yield was taken from the two rows next to the destructive sampling rows on both sides. The weight of the total fresh biomass yield was recorded from each plot in the field and about 0.5 kg of representative samples were taken to the laboratory. The sample taken from each plot was manually fractionated into leaf and stem. The morphological parts were separately weighed to know the fresh weight, oven-dried for 24 hours at a temperature of 105 °C and separately weighed to estimate the dry weight of these morphological parts. The leaf-to-stem ratio was determined by dividing the leaf dry weight by the stem dry weight. Days to forage harvesting were recorded for each plot when the grass reached the (25, 50, 75 and 100 cm) heights of harvesting.

Data analysis

The data collected from two harvesting cycles and combined across the harvesting cycle were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software (version 9.4). Treatment means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The statistical model for analysis of variance of the RCBD design for individual harvesting cycles is given by: Yijk= p + Fi +Hj + (FH) ij +pk +eijk

The statistical model for combined analysis of variance of the RCBD design across the harvesting cycle is given by: Yijkl=j+Fi+Hj+HCk+(FH)ij+(FHC)ik+(HHC)jk+(FHHC)ijk+pl+eijkl

Where, Yijkl = the response variable, p = Over the mean, Fi= the factor effect (Fertilizers), Hj= the factor effect (Harvesting heights), HCk= the factor effects (Harvesting cycle), (FH) ij= the ijth interaction effect (Fertilizers x harvesting heights), (FHC)ik = the ikth interaction effect of (Fertilizer x Harvesting cycle), (HHC)jk= the jkth interaction effect of (Harvesting height x Harvesting cycle), (FHHC)ijk= the ijkth interaction effect of (Fertilizers x Harvesting height x Harvesting cycle), (pl = the block effect and eijkl = the random error.

Agro-morphological parameters of desho grass as affected by harvesting height, fertilizer rate and harvesting cycle

The effects of harvesting height, fertilizer level, harvesting cycle and interaction between harvesting height, fertilizer level and harvesting cycle on agronomic characteristics of Desho grass are shown in Table 1, 2 and 3. The Number of Tillers Per Plant (NTPP) was significantly affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.001) as well as by the interaction of fertilizer levels and heights of harvesting (P<0.01) at the first harvest. However, at the second harvest, the NTPP was significantly (P<0.001) affected by height at harvesting and fertilizer rates (P<0.01) but the interaction had no effect (P>0.05). The mean value of NTPP found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.001) than the value found at the first harvest. Similarly, during the combined analysis, NTPP was significantly affected (P<0.001) by NPS fertilizer level, harvesting height and harvesting cycle but the interaction was not (P>0. 05). From the combined analysis, the highest NTPP was found at 100 cm and the least value was found at 25cm harvesting heights while intermediate value was found at 50 and 75 cm cutting heights. The Number of Leaves Per Plant (NLPP) was significantly affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and NPS fertilizer level (P<0.001) at both harvests. The interaction of harvesting height and fertilizer level had a significant effect on NLPP at the second harvest (P<0.01) but not at the first harvest (P>0.05). The NLPP found at the second harvest was higher (P<0.001) than the value found at the first harvest. During the combined analysis result, NLPP was significantly affected by harvesting height, NPS fertilizer level and harvesting cycle (P<0.001). The NLPP counted from 100 and 75 cm cutting height by application of 150 kg ha-1 fertilizer level was higher than other values and the least NLPP was found from 25 cm cutting height at unfertilized treatment. The NLPP counted was significantly (P<0.05) affected by the interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level and harvesting height-fertilizer level-harvesting cycle at P<0.05 but not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the interaction of harvesting height-harvesting cycle and fertilizer level-harvesting cycle. Leaf Length (LL) was significantly (P<0.001) affected by harvesting height and the interaction of harvesting height and fertilizer level but not (P>0.05) by NPS fertilizer level during the second harvesting cycle. At the first harvest, LL was significantly affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) but not (P>0.05) by fertilizer level and interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level. The results of the combined analysis showed that the harvesting height, NPS fertilizer level and interaction of fertilizer level and harvesting height had a significant (P< 0.001) effect while the interaction of harvesting cycle, harvesting height and fertilizer level had a significant effect on LL at (P<0.05). However, the interaction between the harvesting cycle with harvesting height and fertilizer level did not show a significant (P>0.05) difference in leaf length. In the combined result, the highest (P<0.001) mean of LL was measured at 100 cm by application of 150 kg ha-1 and the lowest value was measured from 25 cm height of harvesting at all fertilizer levels. The height of harvesting (P<0.001) and NPS fertilizer level (P<0.05) affected on days to forage harvesting (DH) but the interaction was not (p>0.05) at both harvests. Table 1. Agronomic characteristics of Desho grass as affected by fertilizer level, harvesting height, harvesting cycle and their interactionrt-

Variables (Kg Hh (cm) Mean SL

ha-1)

25

50

75

100

Ht Frt HC Ht*Frt Ht*HC Ht*Frt*HC

0 35.73g 35.33g 44.20efg 36.80g 38.02D *** ***

**

NTPP(H1)

50 43.00efg 41.07fg 42.80efg 48.47cdrf 43.84C

100 40.27fg 50.67cde 46.93def 59.60ab 49.37B

150 41.13fg 56.93bc 55.60bcd 67.53a 55.30A

mean 40.03C 46B 47.38B 53.1A 46.63

SE

0 79.63d 91.53bc 97.07bc 98.27abc 91.63C *** ** 50 86.67cd 95.87bc 101.27ab 98.73abc 95.64BC

NS

NTPP (H2) 100 92.33bc 96.27bc 100.40ab 102.47ab 97.86AB

150 92.00bc 99.87ab 103.20ab 110.27a 101.33A

mean 87.66C 95.89B 100.49ab 102.44a 96.62

SE

0 57.68 63.43 70.63 67.53 64.82d *** *** *** NS NS NS

50 64.83 68.47 72.03 73.6 69.73C

100 66.3 73.47 73.67 81.03 73.62B

NTPP(C) 78.32a

150 66.57 78.4 79.4 88.9

mean 63.85C 70.94B 73.93B 77.77a 71.62

SE

0 188.16s 266.27f 310.40f 279.52f 261 09 *** *** NS

50 262.05f 301.84ef 314.64def 354.99cde 308.38

NLPP (H1) 100 262.80f 390.77bc 378.76cd 405.64bc 359.49

150 289.15ef 475.71a 455.63ab 490.60a 427.77

mean 250.54 358.65 364.86 382.69 339.18

Means Followed by the same Subscript within a column are not significantly different (p>0.05). NTPP= Number of Tillers Per Plant; NLPP= Number of Leaves Per Plant; Hh=Harvesting height; Frt=Fertilizer rate; C=Combined; SL=Significance level

The DH at the first harvest was higher than the DH at the second harvest. DH of the first harvesting cycle was longer days than the second harvest of desho grass. The results of the combined analysis of variance showed the harvesting height (P<0.001); fertilizer level (P<0.01); harvesting cycle (P<0.01); and interaction of harvesting height and harvesting cycle had significant (p<0.01) but the interaction of height of harvesting and fertilizer level; fertilizer level and harvesting cycle and height of harvesting, fertilizer level and harvesting cycle had no significant (p>0.05) effect on DH. DH at 100 cm height was longest (p<0.001) while DH at 25 cm height of harvesting was shortest (p<0.001) than the others. About fertilizer level, the longer (p<0.05) DH were obtained at 0 and 50 kg /ha while the shorter (p<0.05) were obtained at the 100 and 150 kg/ha of NPS fertilizer levels.

Table 2. Agronomic characteristics of Desho grass as affected by fertilizer level, harvesting height, harvesting cycle and their interaction (Second harvest).

Variables

Frt

(Kg Hh

ha- (cm)

1)

Mean SL

25 50

75

100

Ht

Frt HC Ht*Frt Ht*HC

Ht*Frt *HC

0 414.0 555.23c 613.20b 550.03d 533.14

9f de cd e C

50 497.1 3ef 600.43b cd 657.83b c 569.75b cde 581.29B

NLPP(H2) 100 570.6 ybcde 625.45b cd 669.47b 615.24b cd 620.21B

150 627.8 bcd 646.89b cd 786.10a 841.10a 725.49 A

mea n 527.4 4C 607B 681.65a 644.03A B 615.03

SE

NLPP (C) 0 301.1 410.75b 461.80a 414.77b 397.11

NS

**

under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia_

cd bcd cd D

50 379.5 451.13a 486.24a 462.37a 444.83

9cd bcd bcd bcd C

100 416.7 3bcd 508.11a bcd 524.11a bc 510.44a bcd 489.85B

150 458.5 ^abcd 561.30a bc 620.86a b 665.85a 576.63 A

mea n 388.9 9C 48.82B 523.25A 513.36A 477.11

SE

0 15.29d 28.22c 29.24C 40.85b 28 4C *** *** NS

50 15.62d 30.24c 32.98c 40.31b 29.79BC

LLPP (H1) 100 150 17.20d 17.83d 31.10c 32.20c 32.55c 37.45b 46.71a 50.11a 31.89B 34.40A

mea n 16.49 D 30.44C 33.06B 44.49a 31.12

SE

0 18.57h 22.59h 36.05cde 40.11bc 29.33 *** NS **

50 18.32h 29.15gf 35.30cde 38.55bcd 30.33

LLPP (H2) 100 21.14h 28.31g 34.02def 41.28b 31.19

150 22.31h 29.49gf 31.05efg 47.16a 32.5

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mea n 20.09 D 27.39C 34.11B 41.78a 30.84

Means Followed by the same Subscript within a column are not significantly different (p>0.05). NTPP= Number of Tillers Per Plant; NLPP= Number of Leaf Per Plant; H=Harvest; C=Combined; SL=Significance level; SE=Standard Error

Table 3. Agronomic characteristics of Desho grass as affected by fertilizer level, harvesting height, harvesting cycle and their interaction (Combined analysis of both first and second harvest).

Ht

Frt

Variables (Kg

ha-D (cm)

Mean

SL

LLPP(C)

DH (H1)

25

50

75

100

Ht

Frt

HC

Ht*Frt Ht*HC

Ht*Frt *HC

0

50

100

150

mean

SE

0

50 100

16.93

g

16.97

g

19.17

g

20.07

g

18.29

D

25.40f 32.64'

g

65.00

g

60.00

g

de

40.48b

bc

65.00 108.00c 119.33

de

99.33def 94.67ef

137.33a

de

b

28.86C ***

BC

29.69e 34.14d 39.43c 30.061

29.70e 33.28de 43.99b 31.54B

30.84de 34.25d 48.64a 33.45A

28.91C 33.58B 43.14a 30.98

107.42

A

110.00c 134.00a 102.08

113.33c 130.67a

db

99.67a

NS

NS

***

**

***

*

c

AB

150 60.00 g 90.00f 104.00c def 130.67a b 96.17B

mean 62.50 D 98.00C 111.67B 133.17 A 101.34

SE

0 49.00 gh 63.00efg h 95.00bc 120.00a 81.75 *** * NS

50 47.00 h 71.33def 81.33cd 120.00a 79.92

DH (2) 100 47.00 h 59.33fg h 78.67cd e 98.67b 70.92

150 47.00 h 56.00fg h 66.67def g 109.33a b 69.75

mean 47.5 62.42 80.42 112 75.59

SE

0 57.00 fg 85.50cd e 107.17a bc 128.67a 94 59A *** ** *** NS ** NS

50 56.00 fg 85.33cd e 95.67bc d 127.00a 91.00a

DH (C) 100 53.50 g 77.00def 96.00bc d 114.67a b 85.29B

150 53.50 g 73.00efg 85.33cd e 120.00a 82.96B

mean 55.00 D 80.21C 96.04B 122.59 A 88.46

Means Followed by the same Subscript within a column are not significantly different (p>0.05). NTPP= Number of tillers per plant; NLPP= Number of Leaf Per Plant; H=Harvest; C=Combined; SL=Significance Level; SE=Standard Error of mean

Dry matter and botanical fractions yields of desho grass as affected by harvesting height fertilizer rate and harvesting cycle

The effect of harvesting height, fertilizer level and the interaction on dry matter yield (DM, Y), Leaf Dry Matter Yield (LDMY) and Stem Dry Matter Yield (SDMY) of desho grass was presented in Table 4. The DMY obtained from both the first and second harvest was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but the interaction was not (P>0.05). DMY produced from the second harvest was higher than DMY produced from the first harvesting cycle. The total DMY obtained from the two harvests was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but the interaction was not (P>0.05). From the total analysis result, the highest DMY was found for a harvesting height of 100 cm with regard least for a harvesting height of 25 cm. Regarding fertilizer level, the highest DMY was lowest for 150 kg/ha followed by 100 kg/ha and the lowest DMY was found for 0 kg/ha followed by 50 kg/ha the fertilizer rates. The LDMY obtained from both the first and second harvests was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but the interaction was not (P>0.05). LDMY produced from the second harvest was higher than LDMY produced from the first harvest. Total LDMY obtained from two harvests was affected by both main factors at (P<0.001) but not at the interaction (P>0.05). From the total analysis result, the highest LDMY was found for a harvesting height of 100 cm and the least for a harvesting height of 25 cm. Concerning fertilizer levels, the highest LDMY was found for 150 kg/ha and the least LDMY was found for 0 kg/ha followed by 50 kg/ha fertilizer levels.

Table 4. Effects of NPS fertilizer rates, harvesting heights and their interactions on biomass yield of Desho grass.

Yield Frt (Kg Hh

Mean SL

(t/ha ha-1) (cm)

Ht*Frt*

25 50 75 100 Ht Frt HC Ht*Frt Ht*HC

HC

DMY

0 3.67 8.06 10.36 13.66 8.94C *** ** NS

(H1)

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under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia

50 4.81 9.09 11.29 14.65 9.96BC

100 5.75f 9.29 12.86 15.53 10.86ab

150 5.88 10.68 13.66 18.84 12.27a

mean 5.03d 9.28C 12.04B 15.67a 10.51

SE

DMY (H2) 0 5.52 8.76 12.65 15.63 10.64C *** ** NS

50 6.35 8.93 15.18 17.3 11.94BC

100 7.14 9.43 15.18 19.79 12.89ab

150 8.1 11.68 16.66 20.13 14.14a

mean 6.78d 9.70C 14.92B 18.21a 12.4

SE

DMY (T) 0 9.19 16.82 23.01 29.29 19.58C *** ** NS

50 11.17 18.02 26.47 31.95 21.90BC

100 12.89 18.72 28.04 35.32 23.74ab

150 13.98 22.36 30.32 38.97 26.41a

mean 11.81d 18.98C 26.96B 33.88a 22.91

SEM

LY (H1) 0 2.11 4.58 5.69 7.64 5.01C *** *** NS

50 2.93 5.15 6.65 7.77 5.63BC

100 3.28 5.41 7.77 8.71 6.29B

150 3.55 6.33 8.32 10.77 7.24a

mean 2.97d 5.37C 7.11B 8.72a 6.04

SEM

LY (H2) 0 4.24 6.18 9.21 10.97 7.65C *** ** NS

50 4.96 6.41 10.86 11.61 8.46B

100 5.64 7.05 10.65 12.29 8.91B

150 6.15 9.08 12.99 13.48 10.43a

Mean 5.25 7.18 10.93 12.09 8.86

LY(T) 0 6.35 10.75 14.9 18.61 12.65C *** *** NS

50 7.88 11.56 17.51 19.38 14.08BC

100 8.92 12.45 18.42 21.01 15.20B

150 9.71 15.41 21.32 24.25 17.67a

mean 8.22d 12.54C 18.04B 20.81a 14.9

SE

SY (H1) 0 1.56 3.48 4.67 6.02 3.94B *** ** NS

50 1.89 3.95 4.64 6.88 4.30ab

100 2.47 3.89 5.09 6.82 4.57ab

150 2.33 4.34 5.34 8.07 5.02a

mean 2.06d 3.92C 4.94B 6.91a 4.46

SE

SY (2) 0 1.28 2.59 3.43 4.66 2.99B ** **

SY (T)

50 1.39 2.51 4.33 5.69 3.48ab

100 1.5 2.32 4.53 7.49 3.96A

150 1.95 2.6 3.66 6.65 3.72A

mean 1.53D 2.51C 3.99B 6.12A 3.54

SE

0 2.84 6.07 8.1 10.68 6.92B

50 3.28 6.46 8.97 12.57 7.82AB

100 3.97 6.21 9.63 14.3 8.53A

150 4.27 6.94 9.01 14.73 8.74a

mean 3.59D 6.42C 8.93B 13.07a 8

NS

NS

Means followed by the same Subscript within a column are not significantly different (p>0.05). LY= Leaf dry matter Yield; SY= Stem dry matter Yield; LSR= Leaf Stem Ratio; DMY= Dry Matter Yield; H=Harvesting; SL=Significance Level; Ht=Harvesting height

***

**

The SDMY obtained from both the first and second harvests was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but was not by the interaction (P>0.05). The SDMY obtained from the first harvest was higher than the value obtained from the second harvest of desho grass. The total SDMY obtained from two harvests was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but not by the interaction (P>0.05). From the total analysis result, the highest SDMY was found for a harvesting height of 100 cm and the least for a harvesting height of 25 cm. Regard to fertilizer level, the values obtained at 150 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha were higher than the values obtained in the unfertilized group while a similar (P>0.05) value was found at 50 kg/ha fertilizer levels.

Leaf Percent (LP), Stem Percent (SP) and Leaf Stem Ratio (LSR) of desho grass as affected by harvesting height, fertilizer rate and harvesting cycle

The LP, SP and LSR of desho grass are presented in Table 5. The LP was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and fertilizer level (P<0.05) while it was not by the interaction of harvesting height and fertilizer level (P>0.05) at the first harvest. At the second harvest, the LP was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and the interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level (P<0.05) but the fertilizer level was not (P>0.05). LP found from the second harvest was higher (P<0.001) than from the first harvest. During the combined analysis result, LP was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001), fertilizer level (P<0.001), the interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level (P<0.05), harvesting height-harvesting cycle (P<0.01) and harvesting height-fertilizer level-harvesting cycle (P<0.05) but the interaction of fertilizer level-harvesting cycle was not (P>0.05). The highest and lowest LP were found at 25 cm and 100 cm harvesting heights, respectively. The result found at 50 harvesting height was similar (P>0.05) to the result found at 75 cm cutting height. Regarding fertilizer level, the LP found by application of 150 kg/ha fertilizer level was higher (P<0.05) than LP found by application of 50 kg/ha and unfertilized group while similar (P>0.05) value found by application of 100 kg/ha fertilizer level. The SP was affected by harvesting height and fertilizer level at (P<0.05) but the interaction was not (P>0.05) at the first harvest. At the second harvest, SP was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001) and the interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level (P<0.05) but fertilizer level was not (P>0.05). SP found from the first harvest was higher (P<0.001) than SP found from the second harvest. During the combined analysis result, SP was significantly affected by harvesting height (P<0.001), fertilizer level (P<0.01), harvesting cycle (P<0.001), interaction of harvesting height-fertilizer level (P<0.05), harvesting height-harvesting cycle (P<0.01) and harvesting height-fertilizer level-harvesting cycle (P<0.05) but the interaction of fertilizer level-harvesting cycle was not (P>0.05) affect SP. The highest and lowest SP were found at 100 cm and 25 cm harvesting heights, respectively. SP found by application of 150 kg/ha was lowest than the others while a similar (P>0.05) value of SP was found at the unfertilized group, 50 and 100 kg/ha fertilizer levels.

LSR was affected by harvesting height (P<0.05) and fertilizer level (P<0.01) but the interaction was not (P>0.05) at the first harvest. At the second harvest, harvesting height (P<0.001), fertilizer levels (P<0.05) and the interaction between harvesting height-significant levels (P<0.05) had a significant effect on LSR. The LSR found from the second harvest was higher (P<0.001)

Influence of harvesting height andfertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia than the LSR found from the first harvest. At the combined analysis variance, LSR was affected by harvesting height (P<0.001),

fertilizer level (P<0.0) and harvesting cycle (P<0.001). There was an interaction effect of fertilizer level-harvesting height (P<0.05);

harvesting height-harvesting cycle (P<0.001) and harvesting height-fertilizer level-harvesting cycle (P<0.05) while no effect by the

fertilizer levels-harvesting cycle (P>0.05)

Table 5. Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rates, harvesting Heights and their interactions on morphological Fraction and Leaf to stem ratio of Desho grass.

Morphological percent age

Frt (Kg

ha-1)

Hh

(cm)

Mean

SL

25 50 75 100 Ht Frt Ht*F Ht*H Ht*Frt HC rt C *HC

0 57.57 56.86 55.05 55.82 56.33B * * NS

50 60.68 56.54 58.86 52.91 57.25B

100 57.18 58.15 60.35 56.1 57.95a b

150 61.11 59.42 60.79 57.82 59.79a

Mean 59.14a 57.74a b 58.76a 55.66C 57.82

SE

0 76.51a bc 70.72cd 72.59ab cd 70.38c d 72.55A b *** NS *

50 77.98a b 71.99bc d 72.10bc d 66.51d e 72.15a b

100 79.01a 74.99ab c 70.28cd 61.57d e 71.42B

150 76.62a bc 77.95ab 77.86ab 66.97d e 74.85a

mean 77.53a 73.91B 73.21B 66.36C 72.74

SE

0 67.04a bcd 63.79cd e 63.82cd e 63.10d ef 64.44B

50 69.33a 64.27bc de 65.48ab cd 59.71ef 64.70B

100 68.09a bc 66.58ab cd 65.31ab cd 58.83f 64.70B

150 68.86a b 68.68ab 69.33a 62.39d ef 67.32a

mean 68.33a 65.83B 65.99B 61.01C 65.29

SE

0 42.43 43.15 44.95 44.18 43.68 * * NS

50 39.32 43.46 41.14 47.09 42.75

100 42.82 41.85 39.65 43.9 42.06

150 38.89 40.58 39.2 42.18 40.21

mean 40.87 42.26 41.24 44.34 42.18

SE

LP (H1)

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LP (H2)

LP (C)

SP (H1)

Influence of harvesting height a under supplementary irn^ mdfertiliz gation in. yer rate on morphologic, southern Ethiopia al characte> istics an id yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium)

SP (H2) 0 23.49cd e 29.28bc 27.40bc de 29.62b c 27.45 * NS *

50 22.02d e 28.01bc d 27.90bc d 33.49a b 27.86

100 20.99e 24.34cd e 29.72bc 38.43a 28.37

150 23.38cd e 22.05de 22.14de 33.03a b 25.15

Mean 22.47C 25.94B 26.79B 33.64a 27.21

SP (C) 0 32.96cd ef 36.21bc d 36.18bc d 36.89a bc 35.56a *** ** *** * ** NS *

50 30.67f 35.73bc de 34.52cd ef 40.29a b 35.30a

100 31.90d ef 33.10cd ef 34.69cd ef 41.17a 35.22a

150 31.14ef 31.32ef 30.67f 37.61a bc 32.69B

mean 31.67C 34.09B 34.02B 38.99a 34.69

SE

LSR (H1) 0 1.37 1.32 1.23 1.27 1.29B ** * NS

50 1.55 1.3 1.43 1.14 1.36B

100 1.34 1.39 1.53 1.28 1.39ab

150 1.58 1.48 1.56 1.38 1.5a

mean 1.46a 1.37ab 1.44a 1.27B 1.39

SE

LSR (H2) 0 3.32ab 2.45cde 2.67bcd 2.39cde 2.71B *** NS *

50 3.56a 2.60bcd 2.63bcd 2.01de 2.70B

100 3.77a 3.17abc 2.38cde 1.68e 2.75B

150 3.33ab 3.56a 3.56a 2.03de 3.12a

mean 3.49a 2.95B 2.81B 2.03a 2.82

SE

LSR (C) 0 2.34abc d 1.89cdef 1.95bcd ef 1.83def 2.00B *** ** *** * ** NS *

50 2.55a 1.95bcd ef 2.03abc def 1.57f 2.03B

100 2.55a 2.28abc de 1.96bcd ef 1.48f 2.07B

150 2.46abc 2.52ab 2.56a 1.71ef 2.31a

mean 2.48a 2.16B 2.13B 2.02C 2.1

Means Followed by the same Subscript within a column are not significantly different (p>0.05). LP= Leaf Percent; SP= Stem Percent; LSR= Leaf Stem Ratio; HC=Harvesting Cycle

The highest and lowest (P<0.001) value of LSR was obtained at 25 and 100 cm height of harvesting, respectively. Regarding fertilizer levels, the highest LSR was 150 kg/ha while the lowest value was obtained from the control treatment.

Partial budget analysis

Table 6. Partial budget analysis (ha basis) of desho grass as affected by fertilizer rate (N & NPS) and harvesting height at

combined.

Trt. Combination GI (C) TVC TFC TC NB BCR

1 0kg/ha x 25cm 55605 0.00 16654 16654 38951 2.34

2 0kg/ha x 50cm 94435 0.00 22060 22060 72375 3.28

3 0kg/ha x 75cm 132825 0.00 22550 22550 85375 3.79

4 0kg/ha x 100cm 166540 0.00 31700 31700 134840 4.25

5 50kg/ha x 25cm 65615 1240 16394 17634 47981 2.72

6 50kg/ha x 50cm 98670 1240 21510 22750 75920 3.34

7 50kg/ha x 75cm 156310 1240 23800 25040 131270 5.24

8 50kg/ha x 100cm 182985 1240 30850 32090 150895 4.70

9 100kg/ha x 25cm 74745 2480 15304 17784 56961 3.20

10 100kg/ha x 50cm 103345 2480 19560 22040 81305 3.67

11 100kg/ha x 75cm 160600 2480 22600 25000 135600 5.42

12 100kg/ha x 100cm 205975 2480 30570 33050 172925 5.23

13 150kg/ha x 25cm 82995 3720 14229 17949 65043 3.62

14 150kg/ha x 50cm 125730 3720 19235 22955 102775 4.48

15 150kg/ha x 75cm 175010 3720 21125 24845 150165 6.04

16 150kg/ha x 100cm 217910 3720 29475 33195 184715 5.56

GI=Gross Income; TVC=Total Variable Cost; TFC=Total Fixed Cost; TC=Total Cost; NB=Net Benefit; BCR=Benefit Cost Ratio

Discussion

Effect of harvesting height and fertilizer level on tillers per plant, Leaves number per Plant, leaf length and days to harvesting of Desho grass

The tillers per plant (NTPP) of desho grass in the current study increased with an increase in plant height at cutting and NPS fertilizer levels as shown in Table 6. It is supported by the findings of Zewdu, T and Baars, RMT. 2003 and Kamel, MS., et al. 1983 who reported an increased number of tillers per plant for Napier grass with increment in plant height at cutting and fertilizer application. Kizima, JB., et al., 2014 also reported that the application of an optimal level of nitrogen fertilization significantly affects the appearance of new tillers and increases the dynamics of the tiller population of Cenchrus ciliaris. The enhancement in tiller number with an increase in fertilizer dose is attributed to the rapid conversion of synthesized carbohydrates into protein and consequent to an increase in the number and size of growing cells, resulting ultimately in an increased number of tillers (Singh, R and Agarwal, SK. 2001). The mean value of NTPP (71.62) obtained in the current study was higher than the values (48.57, 63.76) reported by Kefyalew, A., et al., 2020 and Asmare, B. 2016, respectively, for desho grass in Ethiopia. However, it was lower than the values (168.2, 145.3) reported by Teshale et al. (2021) for desho grass in the highland and midland areas, respectively, of Guji Zone Southern Oromiya, Ethiopia. This difference might come from a genetic variation of grasses, soil type and fertility, rainfall condition, harvesting age and method of the establishment where the experiment was conducted (Campos, FP., et al., 2013). The mean value of NTPP at the second harvesting cycle (96.61) was significantly higher than the first harvesting cycle (46.63). This result is in line with Yirgu, T., et al., 2017 who reported the tillers number obtained at the second harvest was higher than the tillers number at the first harvest of desho grass in the Wondogenet agricultural research center. The increase in the number of leaves per plant with increasing heights of harvesting in the current study might be due to the production of leaves from new tillers, which generally increased with an increase in heights and days of harvesting. Butt, NM., et al. 1993 reported that the number of leaves per tiller increased with an increase in days of harvesting due to the production of leaves from the new tiller. With the current finding, other researchers Bukhari, MA., 2009; Tessema, Z., et al., 2010 reported that the number of tillers per tiller increased with an increase in the height of the plant. The result of the present study is also supported by the findings of Mahmood, MM., et al. (2003) who reported that application of phosphorus fertilizer gradually increases plant height and number of leaves per plant. The number of leaves per tiller increased with increasing the

application rates of NPS fertilizer is consistent with the findings of Ayub, M., et al. (2002); Ayub, M., et-

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 14(1), 2024

al. (2009) and Keftasa (1996) who reported that the number of leaves per tiller increased significantly at each increased nitrogen fertilizer levels application. The mean value of NLPP (477.11) in the current study is higher than the values (425.93, 261.35 and 310.95) reported by Kefyalew, A., et al 2020 and Asmare, B. 2016, respectively, for desho grass. However, the NLPP value in the current study is lower than the value (508) reported by Genet, T., et al. 2017 for desho grass in the highlands of Ethiopia. This difference might come from a genetic variation of grasses, soil type and fertility, rainfall condition, harvesting age and method of the establishment where the experiment was conducted (Campos, FP., et al., 2013).

The mean value of NLPP at the second harvest (615.03) is significantly higher than the first harvest (339.18). Leaf length is an important component in determining the economic value of different grass species and cultivars. The difference in leaf length between heights of harvesting might be due to the differences in the physiological changes of plants that occurred during the growing periods (Berhanu Alemu, BA., et al., 2007). Tessema, Z., et al. (2010) reported that the leaf length per plant was lowest at the earlier stage than the later stage of harvest in the case of Napier grass. Kefyalew, A., et al., 2020 reported leaf length was significantly affected by harvesting age (90 days, 120 days and 150 days with 20.91 cm, 23.37 cm and 23.38 cm), respectively, for each harvesting date. Increased mean LLPP with increasing levels of fertilizer could be because fertilizer enhanced growth and consequently influences leaf expansion and development. The current mean value (30.96 cm) of LL was smaller than the value (45.5 and 45.6 cm) reported by Jabessa, T., et al., 2021 for desho grass in highland and midland Areas of Guji Zone Southern Oromiya, Ethiopia. This difference might come from a genetic variation of grasses, soil type and fertility, rainfall condition, harvesting age and method of the establishment where the experiment was conducted (Campos, FP., et al., 2013). Effect of harvesting height and fertilizer level on dry matter yield, botanical fractions yields and days to forage Harvesting of desho grass

The DM yield increment with increasing height of harvesting might be due to the additional tillers developed, which brought an increase in leaf formation, leaf elongation and stem development (Crowder, LV and Chheda, HR. 1982). Moreover, the increment of forage yield was found to be directly proportional to increasing plant height and number of tillers per plant (Aysen, UZUN and Freitas, FPD, 2012; Shah, SAS., et al., 2015). The present result is supported by the finding of Zewdu, T., et al. 2002 who reported that the highest dry matter yield of Napier grass was obtained at 1.0 m and 1.5 m of cutting heights compared with 0.5 m height of harvesting. DMY produced from the second harvest was higher than DMY produced from the first harvest with the mean DMY of 12.40 t/ha and 10.51 t/ha, respectively. In line with the present result (Yirgu, T., et al., 2017) reported that the average dry matter yield of the second harvest was higher than the first (21.76 and 24.99 kg/ha for the first and 31.29 and 31.72 kg/ha for the second) for Kulumsa and Areka variety, respectively. The increment of DMY with an increased level of NPS fertilizer application could be due to more tillering and density of leaves, with an increase in NPS fertilizer thereby increasing DMY. The present result is in agreement with Adane, K 2003 who reported that the dry matter yield of herbage species at a given age of harvest was reported to be low in unfertilized pasture where an insufficient amount of N-fertilizer is applied. Application of high rates of nitrogen fertilization produced an extremely high yield of Rhodes grass and the curvilinear effect of N-application rates on grass yield has been reported in tropical and subtropical regions of Australia (Gilbert, M A, et al., 1993). The mean DMY (11.45 t/ha) per harvest obtained in the current study is higher than the finding of Kefyalew, A., et al., 2020 which was 4.11 t/ha for desho grass in Dehana District, Wag Hemra Zone, Ethiopia. However, it was comparable with the value (11.40 t/ha) reported by Worku, B., et al. 2017 from desho grass in Jinka

Agricultural Research Center, Southern Ethiopia. The variation in the findings could be due to environmental conditions such as soil, temperature and moisture, type of fertilizer application, management systems and cropping season. The height of harvesting and NPS fertilizer level were affected on days of forage harvesting at both the first and second harvesting cycles. Increasing days to forage harvest with increasing height of harvesting was due to a positive relationship between height at harvesting and days to forage harvesting. The current study is supported by the study of (Yirgu, T., et al., 2017) which reported, that the early stage of growth showed a low mean plant height, but harvesting after 120 days showed an enhanced growth in desho grass.

Effect of harvesting height and fertilizer level on leaf percent, stem percent and leaf stem ratio of desho grass

Leaf Percentage (LP) showed a decreasing trend with increasing harvesting height but in the case of Stem Percentage (SP), it showed an increasing trend with increasing harvesting height. The significant decreases in LP and increases of stem proportion with increasing height of harvesting might be due to the proportion of stem in grass plants increasing as they mature or progress from the vegetative to the reproductive stage ((Mitchell, RB., et al., 1997). At the combined analysis result, the LSR was affected by harvesting height and fertilizer levels. The increment of LSR with increasing the application of NPS fertilizer levels could be due to an increase in leaf proportion of grass as compared to stem and due to the increase in the number of leaves and leaf area under fertilizer treatments, producing more and heavier leaves. The current result is supported by the findings of Hassen, A., et al. 2010 and Freitas, FPD., et al. 2012 who reported an increase in leaf-to-stem ratio with an increase in the level of urea fertilizer application. The mean value of leaf to stem ratio obtained in the present study during the first and second harvest of desho grass (1.39 and 2.82), respectively is higher than the values reported by Yirgu, T., et al. 2017 during the first (0.47) and second (0.57) harvest, respectively for Kulumsa variety. It is also higher than the result reported by Gadisa, B., et al. 2019 who reported that LSR of 0.6 and 1.07 for desho grass, Kulumsa variety during the first and second harvests. The current result is the mean value of early (25 cm HH), mid (50 cm HH), late (75 cm and 100 cm HH) mature of desho grass. However, the result of the other was measured from matured forage grass. This might be to maximize the current study result when we compare it with the results of the others. The present result is in agreement with mushtaque who indicated that the decline in leaf to leaf-to-stem ratio of the grass with increasing clipping interval might be attributed to the accumulation or synthesis of more cell wall components in plant tissues as a result of stem development with advancing maturity. Gadisa, B., et al. 2019 reported that the second harvesting cycle generated significantly more leaf-to-stem ratio than the first is in line with the present study result.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The morphological characteristics and dry matter yield of desho grass were significantly influenced by NPS fertilizer rates, harvesting heights, harvesting cycle and their interaction. At combined analysis, several leaves per plant and leaf length per plant (P<0.05) were significantly affected by the interactions of NPS fertilizer rate, harvesting height and harvesting cycle while the tillers per plant were significantly (P<0.01) affected by main factors (NPS fertilizer rates, height of harvesting and harvesting cycle). Similarly, DH was affected by the main factors (NPS fertilizer rates, harvesting heights and harvesting cycle) at combined analysis. The average total DM yield obtained from 100 and 150 kg NPS/ha fertilizer application at 100 cm height of harvesting was higher than the other combinations. In addition to this, the combination of 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer level and 75 cm height of harvesting was found to be economically feasible as it provides a higher benefit-cost ratio compared to the other fertilizer rates and harvesting heights. Therefore; based on the current findings the livestock keepers and forage producers are advised to apply 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer and harvest at a height of 75 cm to get better yield and to be profitable from the cultivation of desho grass. Further research is needed on different organic and inorganic fertilizers in different agroecological zones under rain-fed and irrigation conditions. It also needed further investigation in different locations across years and using animal performance trials.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citation:

Ijara, F. (2024). Influence of harvesting height and fertilizer rate on morphological characteristics and yield performance of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) under supplementary irrigation in southern Ethiopia. Ukrainian Journal of Ecology. 14: 26-42. I (и)E^^^M This Work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 License

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