EFFECTS OF SEASON ON THE MINERAL (POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS, MAGNESIUM) LEVELS OF PENNISETUM PEDICELLATUM IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the mineral (Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium) levels of Pennisetum pedicellatum in the wet and dry seasons. Purposive sampling was used to locate three different places where the grass was found. Pennisetum pedicellatum samples were harvested in both the wet and the dry seasons and analysed for their mineral levels. Magnesium and Calcium levels showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the wet and dry seasons whiles Phosphorus and Potassium showed significant difference (p<0.05) between the wet and dry seasons. It was observed that the levels of Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium were higher in the wet season as compared to the dry season, except for Calcium which was high in the dry season. Since the levels of Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium were higher in the wet season and lower in the dry season, it is recommended that Pennisetum pedicellatum should be harvested in the wet season for feeding animals and hay preparation.