Optimizing Defoliation Intervals and Organic Fertilization for Enhanced Growth and Yield of Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) on Marginal Lands

Background: Limited fertile land for green fodder cultivation makes marginal land utilization crucial. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), adaptable to suboptimal conditions, often faces productivity challenges due to poor soil nutrients and improper cutting management. This study examines the effects of defoliation intervals and compost fertilizer on napier grass growth and production on marginal land. Methods: A split plot design was used with two factors: defoliation interval (40 and 60 days) and compost levels (5, 10 and 15 tons/ha). Each treatment was replicated three times (18 units). Observed parameters included plant height, leaf dimensions, internode length, stem circumference, tiller count and fresh/dry weight. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Result: The 60-day interval significantly improved plant height, leaf size and dry weight compared to 40 days, though the latter enhanced tiller growth. Compost doses (5-15 tons/ha) showed no significant vegetative growth differences, except in dry weight, where 10-15 tons/ha performed better. The highest biomass resulted from combining a 60-day interval with 10-15 tons/ha compost.