Effect of Organic Manure on Production Performance and Nutritive Values of Napier Cultivars in Coastal Soil

Abstract

Dairy farming in Bangladesh faces a significant challenge due to the scarcity of green fodder, as the absence of well-defined pasture areas compels ruminants to primarily rely on crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, naturally grown leaves, native grasses, aquatic plants, and fallows for sustenance. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) propagated easily and grows very fast. For this reason, farmers are highly interested for the cultivation Napier cultivars (BLRI Napier-4 and Red Napier). Organic manures are easily available, nutritious and cost effective, so farmer can easily effort organic manure. Considering the relevant facts, the researcher conducted a study titled “Effect of Organic Manure on Production Performance and Nutritive Values of Napier Cultivars in Coastal Soil” The findings of the study revealed that highest tiller number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width and biomass were in the interaction of T₁V₁ (13.66), T₁V₁ (127.78 cm), T₁V₁ (3.28 cm), T₁V₁ (13.45), T₁V₂ (87.68 cm), T₁V₁ (3.68 cm), and T₁V₁ (28.30 t ha⁻¹) at 130 DAP. Highest tiller number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf length and leaf width respectively obtained with 100% cow dung (T₁) at both cultivars at 130 DAP. Highest biomass obtained at BLRI Napier-4 from cow dung (T₁) at 130 DAP. Except leaf number and leaf width, tiller number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf length and biomass had significant effect (p<0.05) compared with control (T₀) at 130 DAP. At 160 DAP, this study found that highest tiller number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width and biomass were in the interaction of T₁V₁ (15.14), T₁V₁ (151.96 cm), T₂V₁ (3.77 cm), T₁V₁ (15.00), T₁V₂ (103.45 cm), T₁V₁ (5.56 cm), T₁V₁ (42.86 t ha⁻¹). Highest tiller number, plant height, leaf number, leaf length and width and biomass respectively obtained with 100% cow dung (T₁) at both cultivars at 160 DAP. Highest biomass obtained at BLRI Napier-4 from cow dung (T₁). Plant height and stem diameter had significant effect (p<0.05) compared with control (T₀). And leaf length and biomass had highly significant effect (p<0.01) compared with control (T₀). Highest moisture, DM%, CP%, ash%, fat% and CF% were found in the interaction of T₁V₂ (94.37%), T₀V₂ (11.81), T₃V₂ (4.6), T₃V₁ (18.85), T₁V₂ (1.78) and T₂V₂ (27.85%) at 130 DAP. Highest DM%, fat% and CF% were found in the interaction of T1V2 (17.48%), T0V2 (1.66%) and T2V1 (33.85%) at 160 DAP. Fat% and CF% were significantly (p>0.05) influenced at 160 DAP.