Agronomic Performance and Dry Matter Yield of Desho (Pennisetum Pedicellatum) and Setaria (Setaria Sphacelata) Grasses Mixed with Greenleaf Desmodium (Desmodium Intortum) at Different Harvesting Time
Minichl Yegrem1*, Berhanu Alemu2, Asnakew Awuke2
Citation : Minichl Yegrem, Berhanu Alemu, Asnakew Awuke, Agronomic Performance and Dry Matter Yield of Desho (Pennisetum Pedicellatum) and Setaria (Setaria Sphacelata) Grasses Mixed with Greenleaf Desmodium (Desmodium Intortum) at Different Harvesting Time International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences 2019, 5(8) : 31-39.
The experiment was conducted to evaluate agronomic performance and dry matter yield of Desho and Setaria grasses mixed with Greenleaf desmodium at different harvesting times. The experiment was conducted using 5 X 3 factorial arrangements with five forage stands and three harvesting times. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factors were forage stands (Desho, Setaria, Greenleaf Desmodium, Desho and Setaria grasses mixed with Greenleaf Desmodium). The second factors were harvesting times (90, 120 and 150 days). Data were collected on agronomic performance of forage species. Based on the data collected Harvesting time was significantly (P< 0.01) influenced plant height (PH), number of leaves per plant (NLP), number of tillers per plant (NTP) and leaf to stem ratio (LSR). The highest PH, NTP, NLP and DMY were recorded at 150 days. However, highest LSR was recorded at 90 days of harvesting time. The highest dry matter yield (9.44 t/ha) was recorded from Desho mixed with Greenleaf Desmodium at 150 days. Therefore, the results obtained in the current study revealed that Desho mixed with Greenleaf Desmodium could be recommended being the best in improving forage yield at third harvesting times.