The Influence of Fertilizer Sources and Planting Pattern on the Growth of Two Rangeland Grasses in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The research on 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 13.600 N, Longitude 4.800 and 6.500 E 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.NPK treated plants produced tallest stems in comparison  with NPFY and FYM while both fertilizer sources produced plants that had significantly (p≥0.05) taller stems than CTR. This meant that  these grass species responded positively to the application of fertilizers, particularly NPK. The increase in plant height with application of  nitrogenous fertilizer could be attributed to its role in protein synthesis and a key component of plant chlorophyll, therefore, a necessary  ingredient for overall growth and development of all plants. Broadcasted plants produced significantly (p≥0.05) taller stems and longer  leaves that respectively reached 102.6cm and 43cm. On the other hand, drilled plants produced 72 leaves and 17 tillers. This showed that  significant difference (p≥0.05) existed between the planting patterns in which broadcasted plants had taller stems, longer and wider  leaves whereas drilled plants possessed more leaves and tillers for the two seasons. This indicated that broadcasted plants had  significantly (p≥0.05) taller stems, longer and wider leaves than drilled plants which were attributed to relatively even space in the  broadcasted plots. Drilled plants produced significantly (p≥0.05) large number of tillers than broadcasted plants. This was probably due  to competition for space in which plants maximized space to occupy and survive.