RESPONSE OF CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis) TO N.P.K 15:15:15 AND POULTRY MANURE

ABSTRACT

A study on the response of Brachiaria ruziziensis to fertilizer was carried out in an open field close to the New Faculty of Agriculture building, University of Benin, Benin City in February, 2022. Three treatments (0 kg ha-1 NPK + 0 ton ha-1 poultry manure, 15kg ha-1 NPK + 0 ton ha-1 poultry manure and 30 kg ha-1 NPK + 30 tons ha-1 poultry manure) were employed. The variable measured were sward height, sward width and number of tillers. The Experiment was conducted with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results showed that fertilizer application influenced the number of tillers positively. Stake holders are therefore encouraged to embrace the concept of manure application for increase in the yield and quality of pasture grass and Brachiaria ruziziensis in particular.