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Sustainability Potential of Kikuyu Grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) in Livestock Farming of Peru’s Highland Regions

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  • Wuesley Yusmein Alvarez-García

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Pecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru
    Estación Experimental de Baños del Inca, Dirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Arturo Diaz Herrera

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Pecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Yessica Becerra

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Pecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Luis A. Vallejos-Fernández

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Pecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Roy Florián

    (Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Pecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • William Carrasco-Chilón

    (Estación Experimental de Baños del Inca, Dirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Marieta Cervantes-Peralta

    (Laboratorio de Suelos, Agua y Foliares, Dirección de Supervisión y Monitoreo en las Estaciones Experimentales Agrarias, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

  • Carlos Quilcate

    (Dirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru)

  • Yudith Muñoz-Vilchez

    (Estación Experimental de Baños del Inca, Dirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca 06003, Peru)

Abstract

Sustainable Kikuyu ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) production in the Peruvian highlands was evaluated through productivity, growth, and chemical composition. This study assessed the effects of nitrogen (N) rate, organic matter application, and cutting frequency on Kikuyu grass’s yield, chemical composition, plant height, and growth rate. The experiment followed a randomised block design with split plots. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) assessed the differences across study factors. Applying 120 kg of N ha −1 yr −1 raised the protein yield to 3454.53 kg ha −1 , with a crude protein (CP) content of 23.54%. Moreover, fencing with cypress ( Cupressus lusitanica ) trees influenced the Kikuyu biomass, producing 19,176.23 kg of dry matter (DM) ha −1 yr −1 at 8.5–11.5 m from the tree base. Organic matter enhanced the Kikuyu aboveground biomass. While dry matter production showed no significant difference between 30- and 60-day cutting intervals, CP content was higher at 30 days ( p < 0.05). Peak daily dry matter (DM) production occurred at 45 days, achieving a biomass accumulation of 21,186.9 kg of DM ha −1 yr −1 . Given its high yield and favourable chemical composition, Kikuyu is a viable option for dairy cattle feed, especially in highland areas. Implementing a plant improvement programme for Kikuyu could further enhance its nutritional value for high-production dairy cows.

Suggested Citation

  • Wuesley Yusmein Alvarez-García & Arturo Diaz Herrera & Yessica Becerra & Luis A. Vallejos-Fernández & Roy Florián & William Carrasco-Chilón & Marieta Cervantes-Peralta & Carlos Quilcate & Yudith Muñoz, 2024. "Sustainability Potential of Kikuyu Grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) in Livestock Farming of Peru’s Highland Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:11021-:d:1544734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Romy Vallejos-Cacho & Luis Asunción Vallejos-Fernández & Wuesley Yusmein Alvarez-García & Eduardo Alberto Tapia-Acosta & Sylvia Saldanha-Odriozola & Carlos Enrique Quilcate-Pairazaman, 2024. "Sustainability of Lolium multiflorum L. ‘Cajamarquino Ecotype’, Associated with Trifolium repens L., at Three Cutting Frequencies in the Northern Highlands of Peru," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Richard Webb, 2016. "IV Censo Nacional Agropecuario y el descubrimiento de la agricultura. Avances en la investigación," Otras investigaciones, Consorcio de Investigación Económica y Social.
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