The Investigation of Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Critical Dryland Pasture

Syamsuddin Hasan,Budiman Budiman,Sema Sema,Purnama Isti Khaerani,Asmuddin Natsir

doi:10.3844/ojbsci.2019.152.158

Syamsuddin Hasan, Budiman Budiman + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2019.152.158

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Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the production and growth of dwarf napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott) integrated with siratro legumes (Macroptilium atropurpureum) contributing to the availability of preferred forage for ruminants on critical dryland. The study applied randomized block design consisted of 4 groups and 4 treatments; P0 consisted of 100% control Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott; P1 consisted of 70% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 30% Macroptilium atropurpureum; P2 consisted of 50% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 50% Macroptilium atropurpureum; P3 consisted of 30% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 70% Macroptilium atropurpureum. The results of this study showed that biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) significantly contributed to the plant’s growth and forage production on critical dry pasture.

Highlights

Grazing management is a major system of livestock production in many countries (Snaydon, 1981; Bolan et al, 2004)
Based on observations on the treatment of P0, P1, P2 and P3, the morphology of siratro legume nodule is presented in the Fig. 1
The investigation of Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) between dwarf napier grass and siratro legume contribute to an increase in the productivity of critical dryland pasture influenced by the ability of siratro legume to be symbiotic with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it is presented in Table 3 to 6

Summary

Introduction

Grazing management is a major system of livestock production in many countries (Snaydon, 1981; Bolan et al, 2004). The managed pastures are highly productive as increased pasture production lead to higher perhectare animal productivity. It is the major goal for the pastoral farmers. Generally farmers use inorganic fertilizers to increase the forage productivity in pasture. Under abiotic stress and inappropriate management, livestock grazing can lead to the loss of deeper-rooted perennial grasses and reduce ground cover and soil fertility (McKeon et al, 2009; Eldridge et al, 2011; Hera, 1996). Long term excessive use of chemical fertilizers will reduce soil organic matter content and consequent decline in the agricultural soil quality, increase in soil acidification and environment pollution (Guo et al, 2010; Hasan, et al, 2005; Tang et al, 2009)

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