Abstract

MEJIA-TABORDA, Ana C; OCHOA-OCHOA, R  and  MEDINA-SIERRA, Marisol. Effect of different doses of compound fertilizer on the quality of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov.). Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.1, pp.31-37. ISSN 0864-0394.

The effect of a chemical compound fertilizer (N-P₂O₅-K₂O, 20-5-5), applied in two forms (solid and liquid), on some indicators of the kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) quality, was evaluated. The study was conducted at La Montaña farm, belonging to the University of Antioquia, Colombia. For that purpose, 28 plots were delimited and a randomized block statistical design was used, with the following treatments: T₀ (without fertilization); T₁, T₂ and T₃ (150, 200 and 250 kg ha^-1 of solid fertilizer); T₄, T₅ and T₆ (150, 200 and 250 kg ha^-1 of liquid fertilizer). Three cuttings were performed, every 45 days, and samples were taken from each plot to analyze: green forage (GF), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude energy (CE) and ash. With the application of the high fertilizer doses significant differences were found (p < 0,05) in the GF (9,5 t ha-1 cutting-1), CP (20,1 %) and DM production (1,9 t ha^-1 cutting^-1). The DM and NDF percentages were 23,4 and 65,6 %, respectively, in the control. The treatments did not have effect on the ADF, energy and ash contents. It is concluded that the compound fertilizer can be applied in solid as well as in liquid form; however, to use the dose of 200 kg ha^-1 is recommended, because the nutritional value of the pasture is similar to the one obtained with 250 kg and the cost is lower.

Keywords : fertilizer application; chemical composition.

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