The effect of chicken manure applications (0, 5 ,10 and 20 t ha-1) on performance and growth of star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) was evaluated in all possible combinations with four rates (0, 1.12, 2.24 and 3.36 t ha-1) of inorganic fertilizer 15-5-10. The soil at the site was Corozal clay (Typic Hapludults). Dry matter yield after three cuttings showed a significant increase due to manure and inorganic fertilizer applications. The 0, 5, 10 and 20 t ha-1 manure treatments yielded 14.55, 14.74, 15.86 and 17.41 t ha-1, respectively. Dry matter yield for the 0, 1.12, 2.24 and 3.36 t ha-1 inorganic fertilizer treatments were 14.25, 14.90, 16.28 and 17.13 t ha-1, respectively. Manure applications improved pasture establishment. At 8 weeks after planting the percentage of coverage for the 0 manure treatment was 40 percent, whereas for the 20 t ha-1 it was 74 percent. Manure applications also increased soil available Bray-1 P from 9.25 mg kg-1 in the 0 manure treatment to 39.81 mg kg-1 in the 20 t ha-1 manure treatment. Soil pH, exchangeable basic cations and exchangeable Al3+ were not affected by manure applications. The application of 3.36 t ha-1 of inorganic fertilizer decreased soil pH, but no effect was observed on the other soil parameters.
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