Greener
Journal of  Agricultural Sciences
Vol. 2 (7), pp.323
– 328,
November
2012

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research
Paper

Manuscript Number:101112109

 

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Mineral
Composition of Cynodon Dactylon

Imoro Ziblim A., Khan Aikins Timothy and Lawer Eric A.

 

University for Development studies,
Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Nyankpala
Campus, P.O. Box TL 1882 Tamale, Ghana.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: zibso2 @ yahoo.com, Tel:
+233243288274

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.
 
Keywords: cow dung, NPK, livestock, forage, minerals

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