The Effect of Mineral Fertilisation and Planting Density on the Yield of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. Forage

Abstract

Forage scarcity remains one of the major constraints limiting livestock productivity in tropical production systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where ruminant feeding relies predominantly on natural pastures. Identifying locally adapted forage species and optimising their agronomic management are therefore essential for improving biomass availability and strengthening crop-livestock integration. This study aimed to determine the effects of mineral fertilisation, cutting interval, and planting density on the growth and biomass production of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. under the agroecological conditions of central Côte d’Ivoire. A field experiment was conducted at the CNRA research station in Bouaké using a randomised complete block design with eight treatment combinations and three replicates. The treatments combined two planting densities (30 and 40 cm), two cutting intervals (30 and 45 days), and the presence or absence of mineral fertilisation. Vegetative growth parameters (plant height, tiller number, and leaf production) and dry matter yield were measured throughout the experimental period. The results showed that the combined application of mineral fertilisation, a 30-day cutting interval, and a planting density of 30 cm (T1) resulted in the highest vegetative performance, characterised by greater plant height, higher tiller density, and increased leaf production compared with the other treatments. The highest mean dry matter yields were also obtained with T1 and T2 (fertilised treatments harvested every 30 days), reaching 660 and 546.6 kg DM ha⁻¹, respectively. Although differences in dry matter yield among treatments were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), fertilised treatments harvested at shorter intervals consistently produced greater biomass and exhibited superior forage regrowth. In addition, T1 and T2 provided the longest estimated grazing durations, 37 and 31 days, respectively, indicating a greater potential for sustaining grazing livestock. Planting density had a comparatively limited effect on biomass production under the experimental conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that mineral fertilisation combined with a 30-day cutting interval enhances the forage productivity and grazing potential of E. indica. The species demonstrates promising agronomic performance and could represent a valuable alternative forage resource for tropical livestock systems in Côte d’Ivoire and similar agroecological environments.