Experimental studies on seed production of tropical grasses in Kenya. 3. The effect of nitrogen and row width on seed crops of Setaria sphacelata cv. Nandi II.

Abstract

Setaria sphacelata sown broadcast or in rows up to 100 cm apart was given 0-260 kg N/ha applied to each seed crop. 100 kg N/ha increased herbage DM yields 3-fold and yields of germinable seed 7-fold. At 130 kg N/ha yields of germinable seed were 33% higher from rows 30 cm apart than from rows 90 cm apart. Percentage and yield of germinable seed varied very greatly between seasons, though DM yield and inflorescence number varied little. The highest yield of germinable seed was 48 kg/ha for a single harvest. Rapid heading was preceded by a rapid increase and a subsequent rapid decline in tiller numbers. Herbage DM response to 100 kg N was 65 kg DM/kg N. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)