Abstract

Improved forage management can support increased production in smallholder beef systems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mineral nitrogen (urea) and composted cattle manure on Brachiaria cv. Mulato II yield and nutritive value in south-central coastal Vietnam. Study design was a randomized complete block on six farms (blocks), with treatments derived from the factorial combination of five rates of composted cattle manure (0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 MgDMha(-1)year(-1)) and three urea rates (0, 60 and 120kgNha(-1)year(-1)), split into six yearly applications. Yield was measured from 2011 to 2013 with 36-day average harvest intervals. Forage nutritive value was measured in September 2011 and December 2012. Highest yields were achieved when both compost and urea were applied at high rates. The initial yield and tiller responses to urea application were not sustained over the duration of the study when no compost was applied. Compost applied in isolation did not increase yield. Compost application increased ash concentration. Urea increased nutrient yield for all forage nutritive value parameters measured. Composted cattle manure combined with urea benefits grass yield, but high application rates are needed for sustained high yields on sandy soils.

Keywords

composted cattle manure; cultivated forage yield; fertilization; smallholder crop-livestock system; tropical grass nutritive value; urea

Published in

Grass and Forage Science
2018, Volume: 73, number: 1, pages: 132-145
Publisher: WILEY

SLU Authors

• Parsons, David

  • Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • University of Tasmania

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12289

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94025