AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF GREEN MANURE ON YIELD AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF HAY AND SILAGE MADE FROM Brachiaria Ruziziensis

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the effects of green manure on yield and nutritive value of hay and silage made from Brachiaria ruziziensis. The experiment was conducted in two phases: The first experiment evaluated the yield, morphological characteristics and quality of hay while the second phase assessed the fermentation characteristics and quality of silage. The experimental design involved a 1x5 factorial arrangement in a split plot design and was replicated three times. Three legume species -- Centrosema poscurum, Lablab and Glycine max -- were used as sources of green manure and a positive control (Urea, Single Super Phosphate and Muriate of Potash at rate of 100, 50, 50 kg/ha, respectively) and negative control (0 k/ha). The results revealed that the dry matter yield of Brachiaria ruziziensis was significantly (P<0.05) higher when Centrosema poscurum was used as green manure while positive control recorded the highest value. The same trend was observed in terms of plant height, leaf length and leaf width. Proximate composition (CP, DM, Ash and NFE) of Brachiaria ruziziensis was significantly (P<0.05) higher while fiber fractions (NDF and ADF) reduced when Centrosema poscurum was used compared to other sources of green manure however, statistically different with positive control. Silage fermentation characteristics revealed that high quality silage was produced. Silage proximate composition and fiber fractions of Brachiaria ruziziensis showed similar trend with hay. It was concluded that Centrosema poscurum should be used as green manure for the cultivation of Brachiaria ruziziensis in the study area.