The investigation of biological nitrogen fixation in critical dryland pasture

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the production and growth of dwarf napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott) integrated with siratro legumes (Macroptilium atropurpureum) contributing to the availability of preferred forage for ruminants on critical dryland. The study applied randomized block design consisted of 4 groups and 4 treatments; P0 consisted of 100% control Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott; P1 consisted of 70% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 30% Macroptilium atropurpureum; P2 consisted of 50% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 50% Macroptilium atropurpureum; P3 consisted of 30% Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott and 70% Macroptilium atropurpureum. The results of this study showed that biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) significantly contributed to the plant’s growth and forage production on critical dry pasture.