Articles
The role of nitrogen fertilizer on Morado cactus pear as a potential fodder crop
Article number
1343_12
Pages
87 – 96
Language
English
Abstract
The ongoing climate change, frequent and long-term droughts, and grazing land deterioration pose a threat to sustainable animal production systems in arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa.
Under these adverse conditions, animal production is limited due to the scarcity of fodder.
It is essential to investigate the use of a resilient, high water content crop such as cactus pear to mitigate the need for alternative fodder, especially for subsistence farmers.
The potential of cactus pear as a fodder crop necessitates the investigation into the role of nitrogen fertilizer on the cladode yield of Morado cactus pear.
The response of Morado to two nitrogen sources (urea and limestone ammonium nitrate) and four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg N ha‑1 in 2017/2018 and 0, 180, 360 and 720 kg N ha‑1 in 2018/2019) was investigated.
A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and each replication consisted of four data plants.
Cladode number, fresh mass, and mineral content were measured during pruning.
The nitrogen sources did not have a significant effect on most of the parameters measured.
However, the cladode number and fresh mass were significantly increased by the two highest nitrogen levels applied in both seasons.
The crude protein content of the cladodes was also significantly influenced.
Overall, these findings suggest that the fertilization of cactus pear with nitrogen increases cladodes crude protein content, making the crop a staple fodder material in drought-stricken countries such as South Africa.
Under these adverse conditions, animal production is limited due to the scarcity of fodder.
It is essential to investigate the use of a resilient, high water content crop such as cactus pear to mitigate the need for alternative fodder, especially for subsistence farmers.
The potential of cactus pear as a fodder crop necessitates the investigation into the role of nitrogen fertilizer on the cladode yield of Morado cactus pear.
The response of Morado to two nitrogen sources (urea and limestone ammonium nitrate) and four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg N ha‑1 in 2017/2018 and 0, 180, 360 and 720 kg N ha‑1 in 2018/2019) was investigated.
A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and each replication consisted of four data plants.
Cladode number, fresh mass, and mineral content were measured during pruning.
The nitrogen sources did not have a significant effect on most of the parameters measured.
However, the cladode number and fresh mass were significantly increased by the two highest nitrogen levels applied in both seasons.
The crude protein content of the cladodes was also significantly influenced.
Overall, these findings suggest that the fertilization of cactus pear with nitrogen increases cladodes crude protein content, making the crop a staple fodder material in drought-stricken countries such as South Africa.
Publication
Authors
Q. Mazwi, G.M. Coetzer, H.J. Fouche, G.M. Ceronio
Keywords
cladode yield, crude protein, limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN), mineral content, urea
Groups involved
Online Articles (75)