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 of 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 12th to 16th 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  6th to 10th week while 22 were produced during the latter stage of growth (12th to 16th week). The result further showed the dry matter  production was 326.4g/m² at the 6th 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 6th to 10th weeks and declined to 42.7% at 12th to 16th week growth period. The decline was attributed to high evapo-transpiration rate and depletion of  soil moisture content at latter stage of growth.