Authors : F.G. Sodeinde , M.A. Oladipo , A.A. Odunsi , V.O. Asaolu and S.R. Amao
Abstract: Two cultivars of Panicum maximum (cultivars T58 and Ntchisi) were evaluated to determine the influence of soil type(texture and class) on their mineral and feeding values. The grasses were planted at two different locations on the farm site. Results shows that those planted on the sandy loam soil performed best. The grasses were not able to withstand the presence of clay at all. The number of tillers produced in the sandy clay soil was lower (4,250 kg ha 1) than the one in the sandy loam soil (5,826.5 kg ha 1). The presence of clay influenced the minerals present and especially made most other minerals not really available to the plant. The soil types affected the grass feeding value. The pH of the soil had no influence on the dry matter productivity of these grasses, but determined the level of acidity or basicity of the soil and had a direct link to the type and available minerals at any particular time.
F.G. Sodeinde , M.A. Oladipo , A.A. Odunsi , V.O. Asaolu and S.R. Amao , 2007. Mineral and Feeding Values of Two Cultivars of Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum) as Influenced by Soil Type in the Derived Savanna Zone of Nigeria . Agricultural Journal, 2: 226-230.