Effect of shading and level of nitrogen fertilizer on nutrient quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott during wet season

Abstract

This research aim was to identify the nutrient quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott that cultivated under shading of the Teak tree (Tectona grandis) and different level of nitrogen fertilizer. The shading treatment was using plantation of Tectona grandis with planting space more over 3 m and height about 8 m with lightning intensity 1675.83 lux and for control using open space plantation. Treatment for nitrogen fertilizer using urea (46% N2) consist of three levels; 0 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha and 300 kg/ha. Grasses are planted with space 75 x75 cm. Variables observed in the study included: dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, crude protein, and total digestible nutrient (TDN). The design used in this study was split-plot design with main plot was shade and sub-plot was the level of nitrogen fertilizer. The result analyzed with analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s new multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that there was a significantly different decrease in the quality of plants on farmland under shading. Dry matter content and crude fiber decreasing under shading, but crude protein was increased. Application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly (P <0.05). able to increase the nutrient quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott. The use of nitrogen fertilizer increasing dry matter, crude protein content and total digestible nutrient was increased with the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Based on result and discussion it can be concluded that nutrient quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott increased with shading and application of nitrogen fertilizer. The most appropriate level of nitrogen fertilizer is 150 kg/ha.