EFFECTS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CYNODON DACTYLON

Abstract

The study was carried out at the Nyankpala Campus of the University for Development Studies in the Northern region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to compare selected (Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium) mineral levels under applications of fertilizer (organic cow dung and inorganic NPK) and also to assess the variations of these mineral levels at two different cutting stages; 4 and 8 Weeks After Planting (WAP). Randomized complete block was the experimental procedure used in the field, three treatments NPK and cow dung application and control were replicated three times each. Fresh sprigs of Cynodon dactylon were planted on 2m x 2m beds. Samples of Cynodon dactylon were taken from each bed at four WAP and eight WAP for analysis. Results from the study indicated that Cynodon dactylon planted under NPK and cow dung application responded better and yielded higher levels of the selected minerals. Nominal figures showed that NPK had higher levels than cow dung but the difference was very minimal. Cynodon dactylon cut at four weeks were relatively high in mineral levels than those cut at eight weeks. However considering the long term effects of NPK on the soil, we recommend that cow dung should be considered for incorporation in soils to improve the levels of minerals in forage plants and preferably harvesting should be done at 4 WAP for animal consumption.