Effect of mulch and mixed cropping grass - Legume at saline soil on growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of Guinea grass

Abstract

The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch and mixed cropping grass - legume at saline soil on growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of Guinea grass. Saline soil used in this research was classified into strongly saline soil with low soil fertility. The research was arrranged in randomized complete block design with 3 blocks. The treatments were : M1 = Guinea grass monoculture, without mulch; M2 = Guinea grass monoculture, 3 ton/ha mulch; M3 = Guinea grass monoculture, 6 ton/ha mulch, M4 = mixed cropping grass with Sesbania grandiflora, without mulch; M5 = mixed cropping grass with Sesbania grandiflora, 3 ton/ha mulch; M6 = mixed cropping grass with Sesbania grandiflora, 6 ton/ha mulch. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, then followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The highest soil moisture content was achieved at mixed cropping grasslegume with 6 ton/ha of mulch. The effect of mulch at saline soil significantly increased plant growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of Guinea grass. Application of 3 ton/ha mulch increased plant growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of Guinea grass. Plant growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of Guinea grass were not affected by monoculture or mixed cropping with Sesbania at saline soil.