Productivity of Benggala grass (Panicum maximum) at different ages of oil palm

Research Institute of Animal Production, Ciawi, Bogor 16002, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: afanindi@gmail.com

Abstract

The study aimed to observe the cultivars of Benggala grass grown at different ages of oil palms. The research was conducted at the location of oil palm plantations at the Sei Putih, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. The study used a Factorial Completely Randomized Block Design, using 3 replications, the first treatment was 2 oil palm planting ages, namely the age of fewer than 5 years and more than 5 years plus control (open space), while the second treatment was 5 cultivars of Benggala grass consisting of the Hamil, Riversdale, Natsuyutaka, Gatton and Petrie. The observed variables were morphological and reproductive characters. The results showed that the fresh and dry weight of the Benggala grass cultivars decreased at the age of oil palms less or more than 5 years when compared to the control (P > 0.05). Hamil and Riversdale cultivars had better yield than other cultivars (P > 0.05). The agronomic and reproductive characteristics of Benggala grass planted in the shade of oil palm showed a decrease when compared to open land. The decrease in Benggala grass production in shade indicates the need to assemble Benggala grass cultivars in oil palm shade.