Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers on Forage Yield and Quality of Dwarf Napiergrass

The experiment was conducted to determine effects of nitrogen and potassium fertilisers on forage yield and quality of dwarf napiergrass (Pennisteum purpuretum). Four levels of N (460, 690, 920 and 1150 kg/ha), and 4 levels of K2O (150, 300, 450 and 600 kg/ha), and 1 level of P2O5 (144 kg/ha), were applied. Forage yield, leaf area per tiller, leaf elongation rate and forage quality of dwarf napiergrass were increased when N level applied was increased. Leaf growth, tiller number and forage yield were not affected by K applied. However, Ca and Mg contents in plant were reduced and K/Ca+Mg ratio was increased with increasing level of K2O applied.