Effect of Nitrogen fertilization and seed rate on growth and forage yileld of Sudan grass Sorghum sudanense Piper stapf

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Demontstration Farm of the College of Forestry and Range Science- Sudan University of Science and Technology, during the period 25/5/2009 – 8/8/2009 to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization and seed rate on growth and yield of forage Sudangrass (Grawia). The treatments used were three seed rates (20kg/fed/seed 40kg/fed/seed and 50kg/fed/seed). And four levels of nitrogen (0,23,46,69kg/N/fed) as urea. The treatments were laid in a completly randomized block design with three replicated. Results showed that the effect seed rates on plant density, plant height, no. of tillers/ plant and stem diameters of forage Sudan grass (Grawia) was not significant. The highest. number of leaves/ plant was obtained at seed rate 40/kg/fed. Results showed significant difference on nitrogen levels on plant density. Where as the effect of nitrgen on plant height, number of tiller/plant stem dimeter and number of leaves/plant was not significant. Interaction between the different two treatments was signifiantly different, The highest fresh forage yield was abtained by the combination of 40kg seeds/fed and 46 kg N/ fed. Interaction of seed rate and nitrogen levels on forage dry matter prodution was significant. Combination of 20kg seed/fed and 69 kg N/ fed gave the lowest dry forage yield.