The Effect of Cutting Age on Biomass Product and Nutritional Content Of Odot Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) at Regrowth-7

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of cutting age on biomass production and nutrient content of odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) at the seventh regrowth. The study used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of three treatments and four replicates: P1, cutting age of 30 days; P2, cutting age of 60 days; and P3, cutting age of 90 days. The variables evaluated were plant height, leaf length, dry matter production, dry matter content, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that cutting age had a highly significant effect (P < 0.01) on plant height, leaf length, dry matter production, dry matter content, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber of odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott). The Duncan’s test results showed that P1 was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from P2 but was significantly different (P < 0.01) from P3 in terms of plant height, dry matter production, dry matter content, organic matter, and crude fiber. However, P1 was significantly different (P < 0.01) from P2 and P3 in terms of leaf length and crude protein content. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that a cutting age of 90 days is optimal for obtaining high biomass production, whereas a cutting age of 30 days provides the highest nutritional content.