EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM APPLICATION ON DRY MATTER YIELD (DMY), CRUDE PROTEIN (CP) CONTENT AND DIGESTIBILITY (DMD) OF THREE DIFFERENT FORAGES

Abstract

The objective of this study was to detem1ine the effect of rates and methods of
Magnesium (Mg) fertilization on DMY, CP and dry matter digestibility (DMD) of forages of sweet com (Zea mays saccarala), King grass (Penniselum hybrid) and setaria (Seraria splendida). Rates and methods of Mg applied were T-0 (control, without Mg), T-1 (2 tons of dolomitic limestone or GLM given via root), T-2 (3 tons of GML given via root), and T-3 (50 kg of epsom given 3 times via stomata). Following factorial experiment, it was found that dry matter yields (DMY) were not affected by rates of Mg applied and the interaction with species of plants. Highest (P<.05) DMY per hectare was observed on setaria (34l9.9 kg) comparable to
King grass (31405 kg), and the lowest (P<.05) was on com (l 186.8 kg). CP content and DMD of leaf and stem were affected (P<.05) by plants species. Rate of Mg applied and the interaction with species of plants were significantly (P<.05) found on the CP content of leaf only. Setaria has the highest (P<.05) CP and DMD content comparable to King grass, while com has the lowest (P<.05) content. It can be concluded that the best treatment to produce maximum yield (DM, CP and DMD) of forages was T-3.