Authors : Onaleye, K. J.; Ardo, B. A.; Patrick, J. A.; Yakubu, A.; Ojinnaka, P. E.; Nanpon, R. K.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/47neeemf

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May2193

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Abstract : A 4 × 4 factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted to evaluate the effects of poultry litter (PL) application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 t/ha) and harvest age (45, 60, 75, and 90 days after cutback, DAC) on the growth performance, dry matter yield, and nutrient composition of stem cutting-propagated Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.). Forty-eight plots of 3.5 m × 3.0 m were established at 1 m × 0.5 m plant spacing. Results showed that poultry litter application significantly (p < 0.05) improved plant height, leaf dimensions, stool circumference, number of tillers, and dry matter yield, with the 10 t/ha rate producing the highest yield (27.09 t/ha DM). Harvest age significantly influenced all growth and compositional parameters. Dry matter yield was greater at 90 DAC (30.24 t/ha) than at 45 DAC (13.57 t/ha), while crude protein declined progressively from 13.96% at 45 DAC to 11.07% at 75 DAC. The interaction of 10 t/ha PL with harvest at 90 DAC produced the highest dry matter yield (38.24 t/ha), whereas quality parameters (crude protein, nitrogen-free extract) were best preserved at younger harvest stages combined with moderate PL rates. These findings demonstrate that optimum management of stem cutting-propagated Napier grass in sub-humid tropical environments can be achieved by applying poultry litter at 10 t/ha and harvesting between 45 and 60 DAC to balance forage yield and nutritive value for ruminant livestock.

Keywords : Pennisetum purpureum; Organic Fertilizer; Harvest Interval; Forage Quality; Dry Matter Yield.

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