Effects of planting dates on the crude protein and nutrient uptake of two varieties of millet(Pennisetum typhoides(Burm. f.))Stapf &Hubbard in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo state.

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effectof planting dates on the nutrient uptake of two varieties of millet in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State. The experiment was a 2 x 5 factorial scheme fitted into a randomized complete block design. The two varieties of pearl millet (GeroBida and GeroBadeggi) and five sowing dates (April, May, June, July and August) constituted the treatments. The treatment combinations were replicated three times. Data were obtained on forage and dry matter yields. The mineral composition and nutrient uptake were determined. Data obtained were analyzedby the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple RangeTest was employed in the separation of means. The results obtained showed that the forage and dry matter yields, crude protein and nutrient uptake of pearl millet were significantly affected by sowing dates. Varieties significantly affected the forage and dry matter yields, crude protein and nutrient uptake. The highest and least forage and dry matter yields were obtained from GeroBadeggi sown in April/May. Millet sown in April to August had sufficient crude protein content when compared with the established critical levels. GeroBadeggi sown in April had the highest CP content (26.63%) while GeroBida sown inJuly had the least (21.31%). Early sown crops (April/May) had the higher uptake of both the macro-and micro-nutrients than other dates. GeroBadeggi had higher crude protein and uptake of the macro-and micro-nutrients than GeroBida. GeroBadeggi sown in April/May is recommended for feeding ruminants in the forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State