The influence of the availability of nutrients and defoliation management on the production of Digitaria eriantha variety eriantha.

Abstract

The influence of different levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on the growth and quality of Digitaria eriantha var. eriantha was determined in sand culture. The highest production was achieved when N was available at 105 mg/1, P at 24 mg/1 and K at 150 mg/1. The influence of different intensities of defoliation on the root growth of the species was also looked at. It was found that even a lenient defoliation treatment (120mm height), effected root growth negatively, but that root growth was only stopped completely at the most severe (40mm) height treatment. The influence of different combinations of intensity and frequency of defoliation on production and quality of the grass, was also studied. It was found that frequency of defoliation has the greatest effect on production and quality. Production was increased but quality decreased when defoliation was delayed for nine weeks. The six-weekly defoliation gave the highest production of crude protein and a high production of digestible organic matter.

Keywords: afrikaans; crude protein; defoliation; digitaria eriantha; frequency of defoliation; grasses; nitrogen; nutrients; organic matter; phosphorus; potassium; root growth; south africa

Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.