Investigating the Characteristics of Pakchong Fodder Using Struvite Containing Compost Comparing with Chemical Fertilizer

HistoryStruvite containing compost produced from layer litter is a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus and other micronutrients.The performance of Pakchong fodder was studied by utilizing struvite containing compost to identify its application rate on fodder growth.For this purpose, a field study of Pakchong fodder growth was undertaken in the fodder production area at goat, sheep and horse farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).A total five treatments such as T0 (no compost and no chemical fertilizer at all), T1 (2-ton struvite containing compost/ha), T2 (4-ton struvite containing compost/ha), T3 (6-tons struvite containing compost/ha) and T4 (150kg urea/ha and other macro-and micronutrients) with three replications were studied.Parameters studied were yield, height and circumference of Pakchong fodder along with its nutrient content such as dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, pH, phosphorus and potassium content.The result showed that T2 produced significantly higher yield (96.67 tons/ha), plant height (257.67cm) and stem circumference (6.63cm) compared to other treatments.In case of nutrient content, a significantly higher crude protein (15.07%), ether extract (6.78%), ash (1.77%), phosphorus (0.28%) and potassium (0.98%) contents were found in T2 treatment also, compared to other treatments.Higher CP and P content in the produced Pakchong fodder might be due to nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation from struvite.Therefore, it might be concluded from the experiment that 4-ton/ha (T2) struvite containing compost will be the suitable application rate for Pakchong fodder growth.