PERFORMANCE OF BOMA RHODES GRASS (Chloris gayana) ACROSS VARIED ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract: This study evaluated the performance of Boma Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) across varied ecological zones in Narok County, Kenya. The research aimed to assess how different ecological conditions influence the growth and productivity of Boma Rhodes grass, an important pasture species widely used in Kenya for hay production and livestock feeding. The study was conducted across 27 sites distributed within three ecological zones, representing distinct variations in altitude, rainfall, and soil conditions. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted to ensure reliable comparison of growth performance indicators, including plant height, dry matter yield, and crude protein content. Standard agronomic practices were maintained across all sites, and nitrogen fertilizer was applied uniformly to enhance grass establishment and growth consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons to determine performance differences across zones. Results indicated that Boma Rhodes grass exhibited significant variation (p < 0.05) among ecological zones, with the mid-altitude sites showing superior plant height and dry matter yield. Variations in crude protein content were also observed, reflecting the influence of ecological conditions on forage nutritive value. The study concludes that ecological factors significantly affect the productivity and quality of Boma Rhodes grass, emphasizing the need for site-specific management practices to optimize yield potential across different zones in Narok County. Keywords: Boma Rhodes grass, Chloris gayana, ecological zones, dry matter yield, crude protein, Narok County. Title: PERFORMANCE OF BOMA RHODES GRASS (Chloris gayana) ACROSS VARIED ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA Author: SAMMY KIMAGUT International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 15-28 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 03-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17514205 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/PERFORMANCE%20OF%20BOMA%20RHODES%20GRASS-03112025-5.pdf