Evaluation of the Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizers on Quality and Quantity of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana L. kunth ) Cultivars

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, during 2006/2007 season to evaluate the difference doses of nitrogen application on quality and quantity of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana L.) cultivars. Rhodes grass cultivars sown were Katambora, Callide, Boma and Finecut. Nitrogen (Urea, 46% N) levels used were 0, 40, 60 and 80 kg N/ha. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot Design with four replications. The cultivars allotted to the main plots and nitrogen levels to the sub-plots. The Quantity parameters measured were plant height, forage fresh and dry weight. Quality attributes investigated were crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, ash, nitrogen free extract and metabolizable energy. The results showed that nitrogen levels significantly increased all quantity parameters measured in all cultivars. Nitrogen application lead to slightly increase in crude protein without significant effect on all cultivars except cultivar Katambora. The results also revealed that crude fiber was not significantly affected by nitrogen application on cultivars Callide and Boma, at that time cultivars Katambora and Finecut were significantly affected. Ether extract significantly affected by nitrogen application in all cultivars. The results showed that ash was not significantly affected by nitrogen level in all cultivars except cultivar Callide. Nitrogen free extract was significantly affected by nitrogen level in all cultivars. In addition metabolizable energy was significantly affected by nitrogen application in all cultivars except cultivar Katambora. iv The results showed that the best cultivars in the terms of forage Dry Weight , Crude Protein and Nitrogen Free Extract are Finecut , Callide , Katambora and Boma respectively with added fertilizer 80 kg N /ha.