Improving dwarf Napier grass production through the suppression of weeds by intercropping of Asystasia gangetica
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Abstract
The effect of sole Dwarf Napier grass (T1), sole Asystasia gangetica (T2) and intercropping Dwarf Napier grass with A. gangetica (T3) on weed suppression, growth, yield indices and nutritive value were evaluated. The results showed that T3 treatment presented with the highest trend for biomass yield and leaf stem ratio. Whereas, T3 treatment resulted in lower trend for weed yield than T1 and T2 treatments. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents in plant tissues among the treatments. However, T3 treatment showed the highest trend for DM, CP and EE contents. The T3 treatment resulted significantly (p<0.05) in lower crude fibre content than those of T1 and T2 treatments. In conclusion, the intercropping of dwarf Napier grass and A. gangetica (T3 treatment) showed increasing trend for biomass yield, nutritive value, while produced less weed yield. The outcome of this study contributed to a better cultural weed management strategy that may increase yield and nutritive value while reduced the impact of weeds.
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References
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