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 effect of 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 (Gero Bida and Gero Badeggi) 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. 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 and varieties. The highest and least forage and dry matter yields were obtained from Gero Badeggi sown in April/May. Gero Badeggi sown in April had the highest CP content (26.63%) while Gero Bida sown in July had the least (21.31%). Early sown crops (April/May) had the higher uptake of both the macro-and micro-nutrients than other dates. Gero Badeggi sown in April/May is recommended for feeding ruminants in the forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State.