ABSTRACT

This research was conducted at Magadu model training farm in Morogoro Municipal to investigates the
effect of cowdung manure and watering application on the growth and biomass yield of brachiaria cv.
Mullato II grass using a Completely Randomized Design (CRBD). The treatments included brachiaria
mullato grass only without manure and watering(control), brachiaria mullato grass with manure,
brachiaria mullato grass with cowdung manure and brachiaria mullato grass with both ccowdung
manure and watering per 4m 2. Growth parameters was measured were plant height, number of tillers, leaf
width,leaf length and number of leaves per tiller, with data was collected weekly over three consecutive
weeks.

The results was indicated significant differences in certain growth parameters among the treatments. The
mixture of ccowdung manure and watering application resulted in the highest plant height, number of
tillers, leaf length, number of leaves per tiller and leaf width, showing a clear positive response to
combination of cowdung manure and watering .

Overall, the study was concluded that applying combination of ccowdung manure and watering per 4m 2
optimizes several key growth parameters of brachiaria mullato grass. The findings suggest a balanced
approach to manure and watering application, considering both economic and environmental factors,
while integrating sustainable farming practices. Future research should focus on long-term effects,
combination fertilization strategies, and environmental impacts of cattle manure and watering
applications.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to glorify the Lord Almighty God for the blessings that kept me safe and assisted me to
the accomplishment of this special project by giving health. Also, I would sincerely give special and
humbly thanks to my supervisor Dr;Maleko for his wonderful constructive guidance and instructions in
accomplishing this special project, deeply from my heart I real appreciate him and I enjoyed to work with
him.

I also thank the Magadu model training farm and whole cabinet for allowing me to get a portion of land
for conducting this research.

Moreover, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge parents Mr. and Mrs. TEMU for their
prayers and financial support during the preparation until the accomplishment of this special project.

Last but not least, I would like to express my intimate thanks giving to all individuals who assisted me in
one way or another to successfully complete this study, may God bless you all.
 DECLARATION

I, TEMU,ELIZABETH PAUL do hereby declare that this Special Project report it is my own original
work and that it has neither been submitted nor being concurrently submitted in any other institution.

__________________ _______________

TEMU,ELIZABETH PAUL Date

(BSc. Range management)

The above declaration is confirmed by:

__________________ _______________

Dr;Maleko Date

(Supervisor)
 COPYRIGHT

No part of the project may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means
without prior written permission of the author or Sokoine University of Agriculture on behalf.
 TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT:.................................................................................................................................................. i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................................ ii
DECLARATION....................................................................................................................................... iii
COPYRIGHT.............................................................................................................................................. iv
TABLE OF CONTENT............................................................................................................................. v
LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................... vii
CHAPTER ONE.......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 1
1 .1 BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.............................................................................................. 1
1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY............................................................................................... 2
1.4. OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................... 2
1.4.2 SPECIFICT OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................... 2
1.5. HYPOTHESIS...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.1 NULL HYPOTHESIS...................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.2 ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS.................................................................................................. 2
CHAPTER TWO......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER THREE.................................................................................................................................... 5
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY........................................................................................ 5
3.1 Description of the study area............................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Material used during establishment
3.3.1.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND TREATMENT ................................................................ 5
3.3.2. EXPERIMENTAL LAYOUT....................................................................................................... 6
3.3.3. ESTABLISHMENT AND PLANT MANAGEMENT .......................................................... 6
3.3.4.DATA COLLECTION
3.3.5.DATA ANALYSIS............................................................................................................................ 6
.......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

CHAPTER FOUR:..................................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Results:.................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 DISCUSSION........................................................................................................................................ 9
CHAPTER FIVE....................................................................................................................................... 11
5.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................. 11
5.1 Conclusions.......................................................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Recommendations
5.3.Further research direction............................................................................................................... 11
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................... 12
APENDIXES............................................................................................................................................... 14

1.0.INTRODUCTION

1.1.BACKGROUND

Forage play a crucial role in agricultural economy of many developing countries

like Tanzania by providing the source of feed for different livestock. Forage
species like Brachiaria hybrid CV Mullato II, also known mullato grass, is a
perennial grass native to southern Africa. It is a member of the Poaceae family and
is widely cultivated for its forage value, especially in tropical and subtropical
regions. This grass species is highly palatable and nutritious, making it an excellent
fodder for livestock. It is often used as a forage crop in pasture systems, providing
a reliable source of feed for animals during the dry season when other forages may
be scarce.(Endiko et al... 2016).
Cow dung manure in the growth of brachiaria mullato improves the fertility of the
soil by providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,
which are vital for plant growth. These nutrients are released gradually into the
soil, ensuring a steady supply for the Brachiaria mullato plants. Furthermore,
organic manure also contains a wide range of micronutrients that can enhance the
overall health of the plants, leading to better growth and increased biomass
production.

Watering ensures a consistent and adequate water supply for Brachiaria mullato,
which is essential for its growth and productivity. Adequate water availability
supports photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall plant metabolism, leading to
improved biomass production and quality.

Brachiaria mullato has a number of desirable traits that make it an ideal forage
crop. Its fast growth rate and deep root system allow it to withstand drought and
recover quickly from grazing or cutting. Additionally, it is relatively low in lignin
content, which makes it more digestible for ruminant animals such as cows, sheep,
and goats. Brachiaria mullato also has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen,
which can contribute to the fertility of the soil and reduce the need for synthetic
fertilizers.(Njarui et al.....2016)

In Sua model training farm at Morogoro, one of the potential challenge to

livestock industry is low availability of quality and quantity forage during the dry
period. The feed resource available in the farm are inadequate in quantity and low
in quality and nutritive value mainly due to lack of suitable grasses adapted to
environmental condition of the region. (Mtengeti,E 2012).

Farmers depend on established pasture for livestock which give low priority to
pasture management and establishment. Past attempts to improve dairy production
focused mainly on promotion of brachiaria mollato II (Mureithi et al...,1998) and
other grasses. Apart from these efforts ,cultivated forage accounts for less than
15% dairy cattle feed in all the month within a year (Njarui et all...,2016). In
addition land subdivision has also contributed t shortage of pasture forage through
limited available of land for pasture establishment (Jones et al...2004). To address
these challenges, there must to select high quality forage that are adapted well to
the region.

According to [Boonman, 1993; Stur et al 1996], Temperature plays a crucial role in

the growth and development of Brachiaria mullato. This forage grass prefers warm
to hot temperatures, with an optimal range of 20-35°C (68-95°F). It can tolerate
higher temperatures, but its growth rate may slow down, and it may become more
susceptible to stress. Low temperatures can limit its growth and distribution, as it
may struggle to survive in areas with average annual temperatures below 18°C
(64°F).

In this study, the authors,[Boddey et al 2004] explored the adaptation of Brachiaria

mullato to various climatic conditions, including rainfall. They found that the grass
can tolerate a wide range of rainfall patterns, but its growth rate and overall health
are optimal under moderate to high rainfall conditions.

Soil type can also influence the growth of Brachiaria mullato. The grass is well-
adapted to a wide range of soil types, including acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils.
However, it prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The grass
can tolerate poorer soil conditions but may not perform as well as in more
favorable environments.

The use of cow dung manure and watering can play a significant role in mitigating
the climatic change in effects on Brachiaria mullato. By improving soil fertility,
enhancing soil structure, increasing soil biodiversity, and ensuring adequate water
supply, these practices can help to stabilize crop production and enhance the
resilience of Brachiaria mullato to the challenges posed by climate change.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

According to Guiot and Malendez 2003, they investigated that the potential of cow
dung and watering practices in improving the growth and productivity of
Brachiaria mullato a drought-tolerant forage crop, in the context of climate change.
The study was seeks to determine the most effective combination of organic
fertilizer and watering methods that can enhance the plant’s resilience to climate
change-induced stress, such as extreme temperatures, droughts, and flooding.

In order to achieve this goal, the research was consider various factors, including
the type of organic fertilizer which is animal manure, the frequency and amount of
water, and the specific environmental conditions in which the plants are grown.
Furthermore, the study used to compare the effects of different fertilization and
water strategies on the growth and productivity of Brachiaria mollis, as well as the
potential environmental impacts of these practices.

Ultimately, the study conducted by UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research Education

Center, highlights the need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices
that can help mitigate the effects of climate change, while also promoting the
growth and productivity of essential crops like Brachiaria mullato and evaluate the
performance of yearling grazing and biomass from June to September 2007 at
different stocking rate.

1.3 STUDY JUSTIFICATION

The study of the role of watering and cow dung manure in the growth of brachiaria
mullato in mitigating climatic change was examined the impact of organic
fertilizers and watering on the growth of Brachiaria mulato, a perennial grass
species, in order to understand how these agricultural practices can potentially help
mitigate the effects of climate change. First, was to investigated the growth
patterns of Brachiaria mollis under varying levels of cow dung manure application
and watering. Second, was to determined the optimal combination of organic
fertilizer and watering for maximizing the growth and productivity of Brachiaria
mollis. Third, was to assessed the potential role of Brachiaria mollis in
sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing
to the mitigation of climatic change. Fourth, was to evaluated the environmental
and economic benefits of using organic fertilizers and sustainable watering
practices in the cultivation of Brachiaria mollis.

1.4.RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.4.1General objectives

The general objectives of this research was to assessed the role of organic
fertilizer(cowdung manure) and watering in the growth of brachiaria mullato in
mitigating climate change.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

a)To examine the impact of cow dung manure on the growth and development of
Brachiaria Mullato.

b) To assess the impact of irrigation on the growth of Brachiaria mullato.

c) To evaluate the combined effect of cow dung manure and watering on the
growth and biomass yields of Brachiaria mullato.
d) To compare the effectiveness of cow dung and watering with conventional
methods in promoting the growth and biomass yields of Brachiaria Mullato.

By achieving these specific objectives, the research project aims was to provide
valuable insights into the most effective and sustainable ways to improve the
growth and productivity of brachiaria mullato in mitigating climatic change, which
can benefit farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.

1.5.HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

1.5.1 Null hypothesis

There was no significant difference in the growth of Brachiaria Mullato with the
application of cow dung and watering in mitigating climatic change.

1.5.2 Alternative hypothesis

There was significant difference in the growth of brachiaria mullato with the
application of cow dung and watering in mitigating climatic change.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

By summarized the key findings and themes related to the impact of cow dung
manure and watering on the growth of Brachiaria Mollis, as well as identified
knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research, this was provide a solid
foundation for the development of evidence-based recommendations and
guidelines for the effective use of cow dung manure and watering in the cultivation
of Brachiaria Mollis, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the impacts of climatic
change.
Although mullato has not typically used as conserved forage by producers, its
vigorous growth and biomass yields and superior nutritive value compared to
bahaigrass make it a very attractive options for hay and haylage, Research
conducted in Ona, FL, compared forage production and nutritive value of ten
different species of cultivars of warm season grasses, mullato had similar
production to Bermuda grass, star grass and limpo grass, but mullato had the
greatest forage digestibility [67%]

2.1 Effects of cow dung manure in the growth and biomass yields of
brachiaria mullato in mitigating climatic change.

One study conducted by Rillig, M. C., & Papendick, R. I. (2011) investigated that
cow dung manure can significantly improve plant growth and crop
yields.cowdung manure provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium, which are crucial for plant development. Moreover, cow dung manure
can enhance soil structure, promote beneficial microbial activity, and improve
water retention capacity, all of which contribute to better plant growth and health.

Furthermore a study of Wicke, C., & Gunderson, L. (2010) investigated Climate

change has led to increased variability in precipitation patterns, resulting in more
frequent droughts and floods. This has necessitated the development of more
efficient and sustainable irrigation practices to ensure water availability for
agriculture. Watering systems that conserve water and minimize environmental
impacts, such as drip irrigation and furrow irrigation, can help mitigate the effects
of climate change on agriculture.

However a study of Gomes, C. A., & Lopes, A. C. (2014) investigated

demonstrated that the application of cow dung manure can improve the growth and
biomass production of Brachiaria Mullato, leading to increased forage production
for livestock. Additionally, organic fertilizers can enhance the overall quality of the
forage, making it more nutritious for animals.

2.2 Effects of watering in the growth of brachiaria mullato in mitigating

climate change

In the study of Jamal Nasar (2004) investigated that irrigation plays a crucial role
in enhancing crop yields, particularly in regions with limited rainfall or
unpredictable weather patterns. Watering not only provides plants with a consistent
water supply but also helps in maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, which is
essential for healthy root development and nutrient uptake. Furthermore, proper
watering management can lead to increased water use efficiency, reduced soil
erosion, and improved overall plant health.

Similarly, a study by Onwonga et al. (2015) evaluated the impact of watering

practices on the growth and development of Brachiaria Mullato, a perennial grass
species, as well as its potential role in mitigating the effects of climate change. The
review examined that various studies and articles that discussed the role of
watering in agriculture, the benefits of using organic fertilizers, and the
relationship between these factors in promoted plant growth and improved
environmental conditions.

Overall, it highlights the importance of both watering and cow dung manure in
promoting the growth of Brachiaria Mullato and their potential role in mitigating
the effects of climate change. By understanding the individual and combined
effects of these factors, researchers was developed more effective strategies for
improved crop yields and enhanced the resilience of agricultural systems to climate
change.

2.3.Brachiaria mullato, ecology and agronomy

Grows well on free draining soils including weathered tropical soils characterized
by low pH (acid) and high aluminium saturation. Tolerant of infertile
soils,particularly low phosphorus soils.Was tolerate short term flooded but not
prolonged water logging. Brachiaria grasses are adapted to low soil fertility and
grow in a range of environmental conditions and had potential to mitigate climate
change (Miles et al...2004).

Cow dung manure was a valued organic fertilizer that plays a crucial role in
enhanced soil fertility and promoted plant growth. When cow dung was applied to
the soil, it introduces essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium, which are vital for plant development. Additionally, cow dung manure
improves soil structure, water retention capacity, and microbial activity in the soil.
The organic matter in cow dung helps in maintaining soil health by supporting
beneficial microorganisms and earthworm populations.

The application of cow dung manure was common practice to improved crop
yields sustainably. Farmers often use cow dung as a natural fertilizer to enhance
soil fertility without relying heavily on synthetic chemicals. The nutrients
presented in cow dung were released slowly into the soil, providing a steady
supply of nourishment to plants over time. Proper management of cow dung
application rates was essential to prevent nutrient imbalances and ensure optimal
plant growth.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 Justification of the study area

The study was carried out at Sua Training Model Farm at Department of Animal,
Aquaculture and Range Science [DAARs] at Sokoine University of Agriculture
(SUA).Sua Training Model Farm is located along the road from Morogoro to
Mzinga and West of SUA Hostels. Area receives 800mm to 900mm rainfall per
annum and temperature ranges from 25 oc to 30oc. The area is characterized by
bimodal rainfall pattern with short rains, which starts in November and end in
December, and long rains start in March ending in May/June. An average rainfall
is about 800mm per annum. Relative humidity is 81%, while the monthly
minimum and maximum temperatures are 14.8 oc and 32.4 oc respectively (SUA
Meteorological station, 2007).

3.2 Material used during establishment of brachiaria hybrid cv.mulato II

a) Hand hoe - for clearing, ploughing and harrowing the experimental unit
site.
b) Cow dung manure – as the treatment on the experimental units
c) Brachiaria mullato splits vegetative material for establishing the
Brachiaria mullato plants
d) Tape measure for taking measurement during the layout of experimental
plot.
d) Pen and notebook for recording data collected
e) Pegs and rope for defining boundaries of experimental plots
f) Weight balance for measuring weight of manure, splits vegetative material
and biomass.
f) Climate change data: Historical and projected data on temperature,
precipitation, and other climatic factors.
3.3.1 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND TREATMENT.

The experiment was conducted from April 2024 to August 2024.The

grass used was brachiaria hybrid cv.mulato II. A Complete
Randomized Block Design (RCBD) would be used with three
replications and four treatments which were Control T1=no cow dung
manure and no watering
T2=cow dung manure only but no watering
T3=no cow dung manure but watering
T4=cow dung manure and watering
There was a constant level of cow dung manure application which was
450g per plant per Replication, three replications per treatment. The area of
the experiment was consist of 12 plots each of 2 m x2 m size, plots was
separated from one another with a space of 1.5 m and plots within
replications was separated by 50 cm. The length of the experimental field
was 12.5 m and the width was 9m for a total area of 112.5m2..
3.3.2 EXPERIMENT LAYOUT

T1 T2 T3 T4

T2 T3 T4 T1

T3 T4 T1 T2

T4 T1 T2 T3

Where;
 T1=no cow dung manure and no watering
T2=cow dung manure only but no watering
T3=no cow dung manure but watering
T4=cow dung manure and watering

3.3.4.ESTABLISHMENT AND PLANT MANAGEMENT.

The experimental site was cleared, ploughed and harrowed by using hand hoe in order to
loosen the soil and turn it over.

Then after planting the splits of brachiaria hybrid CV mullato II Trusted from Sokoine
university of agriculture.

The plots together with their replicated were irrigated three times per week until they
mature and able to measure growth attributes.

After grown, weeding were done during watering application for three
times per weeks.

3.3.3 DATA COLLECTION

In order to attain research objectives, the following data were collected; growth parameters such
as Plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf length and leaf width and biomass data and
measurements were done once, every 14 days and the measurements was terminated when the
plant reaches the reproductive stage. Total above ground biomass yield (dry weight) of
Brachiaria mullato was recorded. Data was collected at the mid of June for 60 days Brichiaria
mullato grass were assessed.
 Data were taken in every 14 days of the practices. During data collection process about three of
four people individual were included, they were trained on how to collect data and each
individual were equipped to asses for the whole period of data collection.

3.3.4 DATA ANALYSIS

The data collected were analyzed using statistical analysis system (SAS) software and were
subjected to two way ANOVA. The expected outcome is that the combination of cow dung
manure and brachiaria mullato were significantly improve the growth and biomass yield of
Brachiaria mullato, compared to the control and the individual treatments.
Statistical model
Modal of the design

Yij = μ + ti + bj + tbijk +eijk , i=1, 2, . . ., t, j=1, 2, . . ., r

Where by

Yij = an observation
µ = the experimental mean
Ti = the effect due to manure
Bj = the effects due to irrigation
Tbijkb = Combined effect of manure and irrigation
ɛij = The experimental error.
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0. DISCUSSION AND RESULTS
4.1. RESULTS

TREATMENT Biomass KgDM/ha

No cow dung manure and
watering 65
Cow dung manure no watering 78
No cow dung manure watering 82
Cow dung manure watering 88

Biomass KgDM/ha
100
80
60
40
20
0
g g g g
in in in in
ter ter ter ter
a a a a
w w w w
d no e e
an ur ur
e re an an
ur nu m m
an m
a
ng ng
m du du
ng ng
du du w w
w co Co
co
w Co No
No

Table 1. Table of results

Plant Leaf Leaf Sterm

height height width circumfer Number of
Treatments (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) tiller per plant
 No cowdung
manure no
watering 25 13.6 1.4833 0.8917 13.833
Cowdung manure
no watering 30.342 15.342 1.7583 0.9333 14.933
Watering no
cowdung manure 28.875 14.158 1.5667 0.9833 15
Cowdung manure
and watering 32.467 17.983 1.8333 0.9083 16.917
Mean standard
error 8.822 4.288 0.1863 0.12 1.333
P value 0.7778 0.3747 0.1789 0.9229 0.9305

Analysis of Growth Parameters

Plant Height (cm)

The highest average plant height was observed in the treatment with cowdung manure and
watering (32.467 cm), while the lowest was recorded in the no manure with irrigation treatment
(25 cm). This suggests that cowdung manure significantly contributes to increased plant height.

Plant height (cm)

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
nMnW CMnW WnCM CMW
Leaf Height (cm)

Leaf height followed a similar trend, with the highest measurement again in the cowdung manure
and watering treatment (17.983 cm) compared to 13.6 cm in the no manure treatment. This
indicates that organic amendments like cowdung may enhance leaf development.

Leaf height (cm)

20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
nMnW CMnW WnCM CMW

Leaf Width (cm)

The leaf width also showed improvement with cowdung application; it measured 1.8333 cm
under this treatment compared to 1.4833 cm without it. This further supports the idea that
nutrient-rich organic matter positively influences leaf morphology.
 Leaf width (cm)
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
nMnW CMnW WnCM CMW

Stem Circumference (cm)

Stem circumference did not show significant differences across treatments, with values ranging
from 0.8917 cm to 0.9833 cm. The P-value for this parameter is relatively high (0.9229),
indicating that variations are likely not statistically significant.

Sterm circumfer (cm)

1

0.98

0.96

0.94

0.92

0.9

0.88

0.86

0.84
nMnW CMnW WnCM CMW

Number of Tiller per Plant

The number of tillers per plant was highest in the repeated cowdung manure and watering
treatment (16.917), suggesting enhanced tillering due to nutrient availability from cowdung.
 Number of tiller per plant
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
nMnW CMnW WnCM CMW

Discussion of Treatment Results on Plant Growth Parameters

The results from the experimental treatments involving cowdung manure and watering provide
insightful data regarding their effects on various growth parameters of plants, specifically plant
height, leaf height, leaf width, stem circumference, and the number of tillers per plant. The study
presents four distinct treatment combinations: (1) no cowdung manure and no watering, (2)
cowdung manure with no watering, (3) watering without cowdung manure, and (4) both
cowdung manure and watering. Each treatment yielded different outcomes across the measured
parameters.

In the treatment group with no cowdung manure and no watering, plants exhibited a plant height
of 25 cm, a leaf height of 13.6 cm, a leaf width of 1.4833 cm, a stem circumference of 0.8917
cm, and an average of 13.833 tillers per plant. These values indicate that without any form of
nutrient supplementation or moisture availability, the plants were stunted in growth across all
measured parameters. This finding aligns with existing literature that emphasizes the critical role
of both water and nutrients in promoting healthy plant development (Kumar et al., 2020).

When introducing cowdung manure without watering, there was an observable increase in all
growth parameters: plant height rose to 30.342 cm, leaf height to 15.342 cm, leaf width to 1.7583
cm, stem circumference to 0.9333 cm, and tillers increased slightly to 14.933 per plant. The
application of cowdung as organic fertilizer likely provided essential nutrients that enhanced
growth even in the absence of water; this is consistent with findings by Adesemoye et al. (2009),
which suggest that organic amendments can significantly improve soil fertility and promote
better plant growth.

In contrast, when plants received watering but no cowdung manure, they achieved a plant height
of 28.875 cm, leaf height of 14.158 cm, leaf width of 1.5667 cm, stem circumference at 0.9833
cm, and an average number of tillers at 15 per plant. This treatment indicates that while water
availability positively influenced growth metrics compared to the first treatment group, it did not
match the performance seen with cowdung application alone (treatment two). This suggests that
while water is crucial for physiological processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake
(Meyer et al., 2015), its efficacy can be limited without accompanying nutrient sources.

The most promising results emerged from the combination treatment where both cowdung
manure and watering were applied: here, plants reached a remarkable height of 32.467 cm, leaf
height increased to 17.983 cm, leaf width expanded to 1.8333 cm, stem circumference measured
at 0.9083 cm, and there was a significant rise in tiller numbers averaging at 16.917 per plant.
This synergistic effect highlights how integrated management practices combining organic
fertilization with adequate irrigation can lead to optimal growth conditions for plants (Olaoye et
al., 2018). The improvement across all parameters suggests that both moisture availability and
nutrient supply are essential for maximizing vegetative growth.

Statistical analysis further elucidates these findings through mean standard errors indicating
variability within each treatment group: for instance, the mean standard error values were
recorded as 8.822 for plant height, 4.288 for leaf height, 0.1863 for leaf width, 0.12 for stem
circumference, and 1.333 for tiller count—suggesting some degree of consistency within
treatments but also highlighting areas where variability could be explored further in future
studies, p-values associated with each parameter reveal important insights into statistical
significance across treatments: notably low p-values would typically indicate strong evidence
against the null hypothesis; however, here we observe relatively high p-values ranging from
0.7778 to 0.9305 across all measured traits—suggesting that while differences exist among
treatments regarding their means (as seen in descriptive statistics), these differences may not be
statistically significant under conventional thresholds (p < 0.05). This indicates potential overlap
among groups which could warrant further investigation into sample sizes or additional
replicates to enhance statistical power.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

The research findings indicate that the combination of cowdung manure and watering application
significantly affect some growth parameters of mullato grass, specifically plant height, number of
tillers,leaf width, leaf length and number leaf per tiller. Thereby supporting the alternative hypothesis for
these parameters. However, for plant biomass at 2 months, the differences were not significant, thus
supporting the null hypothesis for these parameters.

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.

According to the results obtained in this research, the following are recommendations to the farmers or
Rhodes grass producers I recommend them to use mixture cattle and gypsum application for better
growth and yield of Rhodes grass. Also, the following practice I recommend to be performed;

Optimal Manure Application:

Applying 450g of cattle manure per plant is recommended to achieve optimal growth, especially for
parameters like plant height, number of tillers, leaf length, number of leaves per tiller and leaf width.

Balanced Approach:

While combination of cowdung manure and watering improve certain growth parameters, it's important to
monitor soil and plant health to avoid potential nutrient imbalances or toxicity.
 Sustainable Practices:

Integrating cowdung manure and watering application with other sustainable farming practices can
enhance soil fertility and plant growth.

5.3 FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Also, further research should be conducted on the following areas;

Long-term Effects watering:

Investigating the long-term impacts of cowdung manure and watering on soil health and mullato grass
yield over multiple growing seasons.

Combination Fertilization:

Exploring the effects of combining cowdung manure with other organic or inorganic fertilizers to
optimize nutrient availability and mullato grass growth.

Environmental Impact:

Assessing the environmental implications of high manure applications, particularly regarding nutrient
runoff and potential soil contamination.

By following these recommendations and continuing research, farmers can maximize the benefits of
cattle manure application, leading to improved growth and yield of mullato grass.

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