Yield Enhancement Through Nitrogen Fertilization of Pakchong Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum x P. glaucum)

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the yield performance of Pakchong and native Napier varieties. Specifically, it aimed to determine the effects of varying levels of nitrogen and constant rate of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the interaction effect of Napier varieties over varying levels of nitrogen, and economic benefits. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice. The number of tillers, height of the plant, fresh and dry matter yield, crude protein, and herbage yield were gathered and analyzed using the analysis of variance. Nitrogen fertilization of 80 kg N ha-1 increases yield performance on the number of tillers/clumps, plant height, fresh and dry matter yield, and herbage yield in the 30-day cutting intervals (DCI). Native (NT) Napier is comparable to the Pakchong (PK) Napier and has significant effects on varying levels of nitrogen at 45 DCI on other parameters. Pakchong was found better to native at 30 DCI as the grass matured at 45 DCI. Nitrogen fertilization to aging Napier grass can increase crude protein content. Interaction between varieties and levels of nitrogen on the parameters was not observed. Income benefits are favorable for 80-60-0 kg NPK ha -1 of fertilization 30 DCI and 45 DCI. The same study is recommended for the wet season and acceptability trials of ensiled Napier grass to animals.