Effect of different nutrient solutions on the growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder

Effect of different nutrient solutions on the growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effect of different nutrient solutions on the growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder Alaba Olufunmilayo Jolaosho, Esther Olufunke Bello, Peter Aniwe Dele, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7313122/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 14 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Ruminant livestock production is being intensified within peri-urban regions, but the consistent availability of quality fodder remains a significant limitation for commercial producers. Restricted land at the outskirts of cities pushed ruminant producers towards hydroponic fodder production technology as an alternative solution. The current research assessed growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder cultivated with varying organic nutrient solutions. Two maize varieties (white and yellow) were treated with nutrient solution obtained from cow dung, poultry manure, and small ruminant dung and water as a control. The experiment was carried out in 2 × 8 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications. Seeds were irrigated three times a day, and growth parameters (plant height, leaf length, leaf width and number of leaves), and biomass yield were recorded after eight days of growth. Results showed that both the growth duration and the nutrient solution type significantly (p < 0.05) affected fodder performance. Growth parameters were highest on the eighth day, and the most significant effects were in the cow dung-based nutrient solution. Yellow maize performed better than white maize for all the parameters taken. Yellow maize and cow dung solution performed the highest agronomically and in biomass, while white maize water-irrigated performed the lowest. Overall, the present study realised that development of maize fodder and biomass establishment in hydroponics is very much subject to variety of maize, nutrient source, and culture duration. Growth hydroponics maize fodder dry matter Introduction The quality and availability of high-quality green fodder are still perennial issues confronting farmers, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. The use of pastureland has dramatically reduced over the last decades by activities like urbanization, industrialization, and degradation of the environment. Vision 2030 estimates the deficit of green fodder in Nigeria as 42.81%. In green animal and dairy production, good green fodder has to be supplied constantly, which has a direct impact on determining the productivity of animals, reproductive performance, and health (Naik et al. 2014). Urbanization and lack of grazing lands have, however, been determined to be hindrances to the supply of requirements for fodder to livestock (Safwat, 2014). Conventional soil-based fodder production necessitates large land areas, labor, and massive water use. They are becoming extremely hard to offer as a result of resource competition from other sectors and deteriorating soil quality like loss of fertility, structure, and increasing salinity (Savvas and Passam, 2002). Also, the limited availability of man power for conventional field cultivation is another significant limitation, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas (Butler et al. 2006). As a response to these challenges, hydroponic production of fodder has been an acceptable alternative. This is a form of vertical farming, which entails the use of minimal or no land, water, and labor while allowing year-round green fresh fodder production. Hydroponic crop cultivation (HCC) is an illustration of soilless culture where plant roots are always submerged in nutrient solution, which delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients (Dos Santos et al. 2013). The aim of this study is to determine the impact of various organic nutrient solutions on hydroponic growth performance and biomass yield of maize fodder. Materials and methods Two varieties of maize seeds (white and yellow maize) were sourced from the local market in Abeokuta. The seeds were soaked in water for 6 h and then transferred into a gunny bag for 12 h for sprouting process after which they were transferred into hydroponic trays with a dimension 1.72m x 0.3m. The maize seeds were sown at a seed rate of 6kg/m 2 . Crates loaded with the sprouted grains were irrigated with different solutions manually using hand sprayer, three times a day. The different nutrient solutions were water, cow dung solution, poultry dropping solution and small ruminant dung solution with 3 replicates in each. The nutrient solutions were extracted and produced following the procedures of Naik et al., 2017. The growth parameter for fodder maize after 8 days of sprouting was recorded and the fodder was analysed for its proximate and fibre composition following the procedures of AOAC (2010). Results And Discussion Animal manure varies in nutrient content based on several factors, including the type of animal, its diet, and management practices (Zhang et al . 2020). Additionally, the amount of bedding or water added to the manure, storage methods, and storage duration also influence nutrient composition, as well as the type of feed consumed by the animal significantly impacts the nutrient composition of its manure (Chen et al . 2015). Table I shows the chemical composition of the nutrient solution used for irrigating the maize fodder. There were significant differences in the chemical and mineral qualities of the different nutrient solutions used for irrigating the fodder. However, the highest mineral contents (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents) were recorded from cow dung solution, followed by poultry dropping solution, while the least was from small ruminant dung solution. The variation in the mineral content of the nutrient solution may be attributed to the variation in the feed fed to the animals as reported by Chen et al . 2015, as well as the variation in animal types as reported by Sharma et al . ., 2022.This result was in consonants with the findings of Fazaeli et al . 2022 who reported that different animals have varying nutrient excretion rates, and but was in disagreement with the findings of Sharma et al . 2022 who reported that poultry manure is typically richer in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) compared to cattle manure. From table II, there were significant differences in the effect of length of growth on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p<0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 1.96 – 9.30 cm, the leaf length ranges 1.27 – 6.45, while the leaf width ranges from 0.37 – 2.65 and the leaf number ranges from 0.58 – 2.30cm across the length of days used for panting the maize fodder. The highest plant height was recorded for maize planted on the 8 th day after planting while the least value was recorded from the first day of planting maize. Also, the highest Leaf length (6.45cm), Leaf width (2.65cm) and Leaf number (2.30cm) were significantly higher on the 8 th day of planting, while their values were observed on the first day of planting. The growth parameters measured in this study was also influenced significantly by the length of growth. This result was in line with the findings of smith et al . ., 2020 who reported that certain crop seeds exhibit variation in their growth habits at different seasons of this year, this affects their growth rate and biomass yield as reported by Naik et al. (2013). From table III, there were significant differences in the effect of crop variety on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p<0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 6.09 – 8.62cm. The leaf length ranges 3.54 – 5.48cm, while the leaf width ranges from 1.12 – 1.15 across the seed varieties of maize planted for fodder production. Yellow maize has significantly higher plant height, leaf length (5.48cm) and leaf number (1.85cm) than white maize which had the least values (6.09, 3.54, 1.36cm) unlike in leaf width (1.26– 1.80cm), where it was vice versa. Some of factors which influences the growth of any crop plants are their genetic composition or traits, environmental influence or even the soil factor and so on. From this study, the highest growth parameters were observed from (yellow maize) while their least value was recorded for the second variety called white maize also called the local maize. The variations in the growth parameter measured in this study may be due to variation in their genetic composition or properties (Adeosun et al . 2018). This result was in line with the findings of Adebowale et al . 2021 who reported that different varieties of maize have different distinct growth habits and potential From table IV, there were significant differences in the effect of nutrient solutions on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p<0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 5.63 – 6.10 cm, the leaf length ranges 3.54 – 3.97, while the leaf width ranges from 0.64 – 0.87 and the leaf number ranges from 1.45 – 1.50cm across the nutrient solutions used for the maize fodder production. The highest plant height, leaf length (3.97cm), Leaf width (0.87cm) and Leaf number (1.50cm) was recorded from maize fodder planted with nutrient solution made from cow while the least values were recorded for maize fodder planted with water which serves as the control of the experiment (3.54, 0.64 and 1.45 cm). These variations may be due to the dung nutrient composition. This result was in line with the findings of Olanite et al. (2018) who reported that cow dung manure contains essential nutrients like nitrogen (15 – 205), phosphorus (0.5 – 0.85) and potash (0.4 – 0.55) which promote healthy plant growth. Naik et al. (2020) also reported that Cow dung manure is also rich in organic matter hence enhances the soil structure, moisture retention and nutrient holding capacity. From table VI, there were significant differences in the effects of variety and nutrient solution on the biomass yield of maize fodder. The highest biomass yield was recoded for yellow maize irrigated with poultry dropping solution (5.36kg/ kg seed), next to it was same variety irrigated with cow dung solution (4.55kg/ kg of seed), while the least values was recorded for white maize irrigated with control (water). The Dm content also varies in the maize fodder produced. The highest Dm content was recorded for white maize irrigated with small ruminant dung solution(1.69kg), next to it was from yellow maize irrigated with poultry dropping solution (1.68kg) while the least value was recorded for white maize irrigated with control. This result was in line with the findings of Naik et al . 2020. Conclusion The growth of maize is significantly influenced by the length of growth, crop seed varieties and the nutrient solutions used for irrigating them on and hydroponic chamber Yellow maize had better growth parameters compared to the second variety. Cow dung nutrient solutions significantly improved the growth of maize varieties when used to irrigate them especially yellow maize as compared to others. The growth pattern also improved significantly with the highest growth value on the 8 th day of planting. Declarations Ethical approval and consent to participate All methods used in this research complied with the relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation. In addition, since this study does not involve wild plant materials, hence, any formal identification of plant material was not required. Registration details Registry: The plants used in the current study were procured from Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, Nigeria that has been registered and duly licensed by The National Research Council of Nigeria (NRCN). All varieties used in the study are duly registered by IAR and are commercially available for use without any further legal requisites. Research implementation followed the guidelines as approved by the University ethics for field research being provided by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP). Registration number: FUNAAB/DRIP/40 Consent for publication Not applicable Authors’ Contributions Jolaosho, Alaba Olufunmilayo collected, analysed and interpreted the data for the research work and was the major contributor in writing this manuscript. Bello, Esther Olufunke was a major participant in the interpretation of the data and contributed in writing this manuscript. Dele, Peter Aniwe engaged in data collection monitoring, data interpretation and contributed in writing this manuscript. Olayanju Adeniyi Tajudeen was the engineer that developed that hydroponics chamber. Fadeyi, Olasupo James is an agronomist who participated in the design and execution of the experiment, he contributed in writing the manuscript. Oyedepo, John Adebayo was the environmentalist and Urban agriculturist that made facilities available at IFSERAR. Olalekan, Olayinka Matthew worked with the main researcher on the field work. Musbaudeen, Saidat Eniola worked with the main researcher on the field work. All authors read and approved the manuscript. Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request Competing interests The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Funding This study was funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Institutional Based Research (TETFund IBR) grant of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Acknowledgements Not applicable References Al-Karaki GN, Al-Momani RT (2011) Evaluation of some barley cultivars for green fodder production and water use efficiency under hydroponic conditions. Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 7(3):448-458. Alake CO, Ojo DK, Oduwaye OA, Adekoya MA (2008) Genetic variability and correlation studies in yield and yield related characters of tropical maize ( Zea mays L.). ASSET: International Journal 8(1):14–27. 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Bello OB, Ige SA, Azeez MA, Afolabi MS, Abdulmaliq SY, Mahamood J (2012) Heritability and genetic advance for grain yield and its component characters in maize (Zea mays L.). International Journal of Plant science 2(5):138–145. Butler, J. D., & Oebker, N. F. (1962). Hydroponics as a hobby: growing plants without soil. Circular; 844- 856. Butler J D and Oebker N F. 2006. Hydroponics as a Hobby Growing Plants Without Soil. Circular 844. Information Office, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana. Dev SM (2024) Inclusive Development in India: Agriculture, Hunger, Poverty, Inequalities and Human Development . Indian Association of Social Science Institutions Quarterly 43(1). Dev SM (2024) Regional Dimensions in India: Economic Growth, Inclusive and Sustainable Development. Journal of Quantitative Economics 22(2):245–296. Fazaeli H, Golmohammadi H, Shoayee AA, Montajebi N, Mosharraf SH (2011) Performance of feedlot calves fed hydro ponics fodder barley. 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Tables Table I: Chemical Composition of locally made nutrient solutions Nutrient Constituent Cow dung Small ruminant Poultry droppings N mg/L 2614.683 1436.194 2086.530 P mg/L 1012.351 989.457 939.642 K mg/L 786.454 398.113 712.483 Ca mg/L 538.615 512.485 530.196 Mg mg/L 324.193 308.422 332.681 Na mg/L 32.689 26.952 31.464 EC µS/cm 1823 1753 1917 pH 6.61 6.55 6.58 Fe mg/L 56.914 50.362 53.483 Mn mg/L 6.244 5.936 6.084 Cu mg/L 1.067 1.004 1.012 Zn mg/L 6.324 6.024 6.138 Pb mg/L 2.116 1.836 1.984 Cr mg/L 0.632 0.416 0.532 Cd mg/L 0.048 0.036 0/001 0.041 Table II: Effects of length of growth (days) on Growth of maize fodder (white and yellow) Days pH LL LW LN 1 1.96 f 1.27 f 0.37 e 0.58 g 2 3.15 e 2.38 e 0.40 e 0.75 f 3 5.57 d 3.34 d 0.46 de 1.28 e 4 5.89 d 3.51 d 0.53 d 1.43 d 5 6.49 c 4.14 c 0.54 d 1.52 d 6 6.75 c 4.32 c 0.71 c 1.81 c 7 7.80 b 4.95 b 0.84 b 2.01 b 8 9.30 a 6.45 a 2.15 a 2.30 a SEM 0.059 0.049 0.012 0.012 PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number Table III: Main effect of crop variety on the growth of maize fodder (cm) Crop variety PH LL LW LN White maize 6.09 a 3.54 b 1.15 a 1.36 b Yellow maize 8.62 b 5.48 a 1.12 b 1.85 a S.E.M 2.82 1.91 0.12 0.12 a.b means with the same superscript are not significantly different (p< 0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number Table IV: Main effect of nutrient solutions on the growth of maize fodder (cm) Nutrient solutions PH LL LW LN Control 5.63 b 3.54 bb 0.64 b 1.45 aa Cow dung 6.10 aa 3.97 aa 0.87 aa 1.50 aa Poultry dropping 6.05 a 3.96 aa 0.81 a 1.46 aa Smallruminant dung 5.68 bb 3.72 ab 0.68 bb 1.45 a S.E.M 2.82 1.91 0.12 0.12 a .b means with the same superscript are not significantly different (p< 0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number Table V: Interaction effects of variety and nutrient solutions on the growth of maize fodder Variety Nutrient solution PH LL LW LN WHTE MAIZE CONTROL 5.30 b 3.56 d 0.55 c 1.23 c COW DUNG 4.13 c 2.61 d 0.70 b 1.25 b POULTRY 3.82 e 2.35 d 0.42 d 1.13 d SMALL RUMINANT 3.49 d 2.07 e 0.35 e 1.30 b YELLOW MAIZE CONTROL 7.47 a 4.39 c 0.51 c 1.85 a COW DUNG 7.38 a 5.33 b 0.69 b 1.85 a POULTRY DROPPINGS 7.35 a 5.61 b 0.69 b 1.85 a SMALL RUMINANT 7.48 a 5.92 a 0.75 a 1.66 b S.E.M 0.30 0.15 0.05 0.07 a,b,c,d,e, means with the same superscript on the same column are not significantly different (p<0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number Table VI: Interaction effects of variety and nutrient solutions on the biomass yield of maize fodder Variety Nutrient solution Biomass yield/ fresh weight (kg) Dry weight of fodder (kg) S.E.M White Maize Cow 3.4 d 1.6 b 0.10 Poultry 4.15 a 1.45 c 0.23 Small ruminant 3.65 b 1.69 a 0.40 Control 3.45 c 1.21 d 0.08 Yellow maize Cow 4.55 b 1.82 a 0.70 Poultry 5.36 a 1.68 b 0.50 Small ruminant 3.85 c 1.42 c 0.25 Control 3.45 d 1.35 d 0.40 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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14:49:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":806780,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7313122/v1/833c59ba-e0cc-4d5a-a482-610348e09f57.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Effect of different nutrient solutions on the growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe quality and availability of high-quality green fodder are still perennial issues confronting farmers, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. The use of pastureland has dramatically reduced over the last decades by activities like urbanization, industrialization, and degradation of the environment. Vision 2030 estimates the deficit of green fodder in Nigeria as 42.81%. In green animal and dairy production, good green fodder has to be supplied constantly, which has a direct impact on determining the productivity of animals, reproductive performance, and health (Naik et al. 2014). Urbanization and lack of grazing lands have, however, been determined to be hindrances to the supply of requirements for fodder to livestock (Safwat, 2014).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConventional soil-based fodder production necessitates large land areas, labor, and massive water use. They are becoming extremely hard to offer as a result of resource competition from other sectors and deteriorating soil quality like loss of fertility, structure, and increasing salinity (Savvas and Passam, 2002). Also, the limited availability of man power for conventional field cultivation is another significant limitation, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas (Butler et al. 2006).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a response to these challenges, hydroponic production of fodder has been an acceptable alternative. This is a form of vertical farming, which entails the use of minimal or no land, water, and labor while allowing year-round green fresh fodder production. Hydroponic crop cultivation (HCC) is an illustration of soilless culture where plant roots are always submerged in nutrient solution, which delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients (Dos Santos et al. 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this study is to determine the impact of various organic nutrient solutions on hydroponic growth performance and biomass yield of maize fodder.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eTwo varieties of maize seeds (white and yellow maize) were sourced from the local market in Abeokuta. The seeds were soaked in water for 6 h and then transferred into a gunny bag for 12 h for sprouting process after which they were transferred into hydroponic trays with a dimension 1.72m x 0.3m. The maize seeds were sown at a seed rate of 6kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e. Crates loaded with the sprouted grains were irrigated with different solutions manually using hand sprayer, three times a day. The different nutrient solutions were water, cow dung solution, poultry dropping solution and small ruminant dung solution with 3 replicates in each. The nutrient solutions were extracted and produced following the procedures of Naik et\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eal., 2017. The growth parameter for fodder maize after 8 days of sprouting was recorded and the fodder was analysed for its proximate and fibre composition following the procedures of AOAC (2010).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results And Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAnimal manure varies in nutrient content based on several factors, including the type of animal, its diet, and management practices (Zhang et al\u003cem\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e2020). Additionally, the amount of bedding or water added to the manure, storage methods, and storage duration also influence nutrient composition, as well as the type of feed consumed by the animal significantly impacts the nutrient composition of its manure (Chen et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2015). \u0026nbsp;Table I shows the chemical composition of the nutrient solution used for irrigating the maize fodder. There were significant differences in the chemical and mineral qualities of the different nutrient solutions used for irrigating the fodder. However, the highest mineral contents (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents) were recorded from cow dung solution, followed by poultry dropping solution, while the least was from small ruminant dung solution. The variation in the mineral content of the nutrient solution may be attributed to the variation in the feed fed to the animals as reported by Chen et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2015, as well as the variation in animal types as reported by Sharma et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e., 2022.This result was in consonants with the findings of Fazaeli et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2022 who reported that different animals have varying nutrient excretion rates, and but was in disagreement with the findings of Sharma et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2022 who reported that poultry manure is typically richer in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) compared to cattle manure.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom table II, there were significant differences in the effect of length of growth on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p\u0026lt;0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 1.96 \u0026ndash; 9.30 cm, the leaf length ranges 1.27 \u0026ndash; 6.45, while the leaf width ranges from 0.37 \u0026ndash; 2.65 and the leaf number ranges from 0.58 \u0026ndash; 2.30cm across the length of days used for panting the maize fodder. The highest plant height was recorded for maize planted on the 8 \u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e day after planting while the least value was recorded from the first day of planting maize. Also, the highest Leaf length (6.45cm), Leaf width (2.65cm) and Leaf number (2.30cm) were significantly higher on the 8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e day of planting, while their values were observed on the first day of planting. The growth parameters measured in this study was also influenced significantly by the length of growth. This result was in line with the findings of smith et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e., 2020 who reported that certain crop seeds exhibit variation in their growth habits at different seasons of this year, this affects their growth rate and biomass yield as reported by Naik et al. (2013).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom table III, there were significant differences in the effect of crop variety on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p\u0026lt;0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 6.09 \u0026ndash; 8.62cm. The leaf length ranges 3.54 \u0026ndash; 5.48cm, while the leaf width ranges from 1.12 \u0026ndash; 1.15 across the seed varieties of maize planted for fodder production. Yellow maize has significantly higher plant height, leaf length (5.48cm) and leaf number (1.85cm) than white maize which had the least values (6.09, 3.54, 1.36cm) unlike in leaf width (1.26\u0026ndash; 1.80cm), where it was vice versa. Some of factors which influences the growth of any crop plants are their genetic composition or traits, environmental influence or even the soil factor and so on. From this study, the highest growth parameters were observed from (yellow maize) while their least value was recorded for the second variety called white maize also called the local maize. The variations in the growth parameter measured in this study may be due to variation in their genetic composition or properties (Adeosun et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2018). This result was in line with the findings of Adebowale et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2021 who reported that different varieties of maize have different distinct growth habits and potential\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom table IV, there were significant differences in the effect of nutrient solutions on the growth parameters of maize fodder (p\u0026lt;0.05). The Plant height (PH) ranges from 5.63 \u0026ndash; 6.10 cm, the leaf length ranges 3.54 \u0026ndash; 3.97, while the leaf width ranges from 0.64 \u0026ndash; 0.87 and the leaf number ranges from 1.45 \u0026ndash; 1.50cm across the nutrient solutions used for the maize fodder production. The highest plant height, leaf length (3.97cm), Leaf width (0.87cm) and Leaf number (1.50cm) was recorded from maize fodder planted with nutrient solution made from cow while the least values were recorded for maize fodder planted with water which serves as the control of the experiment (3.54, 0.64 and 1.45 cm). \u0026nbsp;These variations may be due to the dung nutrient composition. This result was in line with the findings of Olanite et al. (2018) who reported that cow dung manure contains essential nutrients like nitrogen (15 \u0026ndash; 205), phosphorus (0.5 \u0026ndash; 0.85) and potash (0.4 \u0026ndash; 0.55) which promote healthy plant growth. \u0026nbsp;Naik et\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eal. (2020) also reported that Cow dung manure is also rich in organic matter hence enhances the soil structure, moisture retention and nutrient holding capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom table VI, there were significant differences in the effects of variety and nutrient solution on the biomass yield of maize fodder. The highest biomass yield was recoded for yellow maize irrigated with poultry dropping solution (5.36kg/ kg seed), next to it was same variety irrigated with cow dung solution (4.55kg/ kg of seed), while the least values was recorded for white maize irrigated with control (water). The Dm content also varies in the maize fodder produced. The highest Dm content was recorded for white maize irrigated with small ruminant dung solution(1.69kg), next to it was from yellow maize irrigated with poultry dropping solution (1.68kg) while the least value was recorded for white maize irrigated with control. This result was in line with the findings of Naik et al\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe growth of maize is significantly influenced by the length of growth, crop seed varieties and the nutrient solutions used for irrigating them on and hydroponic chamber\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellow maize had better growth parameters compared to the second variety. Cow dung nutrient solutions significantly improved the growth of maize varieties when used to irrigate them especially yellow maize as compared to others. The growth pattern also improved significantly with the highest growth value on the 8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e day of planting.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll methods used in this research complied with the relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation. In addition, since this study does not involve wild plant materials, hence, any formal identification of plant material was not required.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegistration details\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegistry:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe plants used in the current study were procured from Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, Nigeria that has been registered and duly licensed by The National Research Council of Nigeria (NRCN). All varieties used in the study are duly registered by IAR and are commercially available for use without any further legal requisites. Research implementation followed the guidelines as approved by the University ethics for field research being provided by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegistration number:\u003c/strong\u003e FUNAAB/DRIP/40\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJolaosho, Alaba Olufunmilayo collected, analysed and interpreted the data for the research work and was the major contributor in writing this manuscript. Bello, Esther Olufunke was a major participant in the interpretation of the data and contributed in writing this manuscript. Dele, Peter Aniwe\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sup\u003eengaged in data collection monitoring, data interpretation and contributed in writing this manuscript. Olayanju Adeniyi Tajudeen was the engineer that developed that hydroponics\u0026nbsp;chamber. Fadeyi, Olasupo James is an agronomist who participated in the design and execution of the experiment, he contributed in writing the manuscript. Oyedepo, John Adebayo was the environmentalist and Urban agriculturist that made facilities available\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;IFSERAR. Olalekan, Olayinka Matthew worked with the main researcher on the field work. Musbaudeen, Saidat Eniola worked with the main researcher on the field work. All authors read and approved the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Institutional Based Research (TETFund IBR) grant of the Federal Government of Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAl-Karaki GN, Al-Momani RT (2011) Evaluation of some barley cultivars for green fodder production and water use efficiency under hydroponic conditions. Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 7(3):448-458.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlake CO, Ojo DK, Oduwaye OA, Adekoya MA (2008) Genetic variability and correlation studies in yield and yield related characters of tropical maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e L.). ASSET: International Journal 8(1):14\u0026ndash;27.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlvi MB, Rafique M, Shafique M, Hussain A, Mohmood T, Sarwar M (2013) Characters association and path analysis of grain yield and yield components in maize. Pakistan Journal of Biological Science 6 (2):136\u0026ndash;138.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAshraf M, Ullah S (2019) Hydroponic fodder production: An innovative approach for livestock feeding. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 21(4):789-802.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAOAC-Association of Official Analytical Chemists (2010) Official Methods of Analysis, 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e ed. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBarrett GE, Alexander PD, Robinson JS, Bragg NC (2021) Achieving sustainable production of hydroponic fodder: A review of technologies, practices, and outcomes. Agricultural Systems 187:103034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.103034\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBartaula S, Panthi U, Timilsena K, Acharya S, Shrestha J (2019) Variability, heritability, and genetic advance of maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e L.) genotypes. Resources in Agriculture and livestock Journal 6(2):163\u0026ndash;169.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBello OB, Ige SA, Azeez MA, Afolabi MS, Abdulmaliq SY, Mahamood J (2012) Heritability and genetic advance for grain yield and its component characters in maize (Zea mays L.). International Journal of Plant science 2(5):138\u0026ndash;145.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eButler, J. D., \u0026amp; Oebker, N. F. (1962). Hydroponics as a hobby: growing plants without soil. \u003cem\u003eCircular;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e844- 856.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eButler J D and Oebker N F. 2006. Hydroponics as a Hobby Growing Plants Without Soil. Circular 844. Information Office, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDev SM (2024) Inclusive Development in India: Agriculture, Hunger, Poverty, Inequalities and Human Development\u003cem\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eIndian Association of Social Science Institutions Quarterly 43(1).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDev SM (2024) Regional Dimensions in India: Economic Growth, Inclusive and Sustainable Development. Journal of Quantitative Economics 22(2):245\u0026ndash;296.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFazaeli H, Golmohammadi H, Shoayee AA, Montajebi N, Mosharraf SH (2011) Performance of feedlot calves fed hydro ponics fodder barley. Journal of Agricultural Science Technology 13:367\u0026ndash;375.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFazaeli H, Golmohammadi HA, Tabatabayee SN, Asghari-Tabrizi M (2012) Productivity and nutritive value of Barley green fodder yield in hydroponic system. World Applied Sciences Journal 6(4):531-539\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFazaeli H, Golmohammadi HA, Tabatabayee SN (2021) Effect of replacing dietary corn silage with hydroponic barley green fodder on Holstein dairy cows performance\u003cem\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eIranian Journal Applied Animal Science 11:47\u0026ndash;57.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJessica CD, Merle FV, Kirk L (2002) Nutrient variability in manures implications for sampling and regional database creation. Journal of soil and water conservation 57(6):473-478.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNaik PK, Singh NP (2013) Hydroponics fodder production: an Alternative technology for sustainable livestock Production against impeding climate change. In Compendium of model training course \u0026lsquo;Management Strategies for Sustainable Livestock Production against Impending climate change\u0026rsquo;, held during November 18-25, Southern Regional Station, National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, India 70-75.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNaik PK, Dhuri RB, Karunakaran M, Swain BK, Singh NP (2014) Effect of feeding hydroponics maize fodder on Digestibility of nutrients and milk production in lactating Cows. Indian Journal of Animal Science 84(8):880-883.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNaik PK, Swain BK, Singh NP (2015) Production and utilisation of hydroponics fodder. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition 32: 1\u0026ndash;9.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNaik PK, Swain BK, Chakurkar EB, Singh NP (2017) Effect of seed rate on yield and proximate constituents of different parts of hydroponics maize fodder. Indian Journal of Animal Science 87:109\u0026ndash;112.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOlanite JA, Jimoh SO, Adeleye OO, Ojo VOA (2018) Assessment of some micromineral concentration of a grass legume sward in relation to livestock requirements. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e66:95-104.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRobert S, Dogger HX, Swest KR (2016) Spatial variation of manure nutrients and manure sampling strategy in high rise laying hen houses., 295:428-456.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharma BK, Sharma S, Kandel BP, Shrestha J (2018) Varietal evaluation of promising maize genotypes. Azarian J. Agri. 5(4):120\u0026ndash;124.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharma BK, Sharma S, Kandel BP, Shrestha J (2022) Nutrient contents in different sources of organic manures used in different sources of organic manures. Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources 5(1):150-156.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVision 2030. 11th Five Year Plan Document, Govt. of India.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable I:\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Chemical Composition of locally made nutrient solutions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"532\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNutrient Constituent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCow dung\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Small \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;ruminant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoultry droppings\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eN mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2614.683\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 1436.194\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2086.530\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1012.351\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 989.457\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e939.642\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eK mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e786.454\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 398.113\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e712.483\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCa mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e538.615\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 512.485\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e530.196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMg mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e324.193\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 308.422\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e332.681\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNa mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.689\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 26.952\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.464\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEC \u0026micro;S/cm\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1823\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;1753\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1917\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;6.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFe mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.914\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 50.362\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.483\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMn mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.244\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 5.936\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.084\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCu mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.067\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 1.004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZn mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.324\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 6.024\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.138\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePb mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.116\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 1.836\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.984\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCr mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.632\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.416\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.532\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd mg/L\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.036\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0/001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.041\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable II: Effects of length of growth (days) on Growth of maize fodder (white and yellow)\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"564\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDays\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLW\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.96\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.27\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003csup\u003eg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.15\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.38\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.57\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.34\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.28\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.89\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.51\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.43\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.49\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.14\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.54\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.52\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.75\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.32\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.81\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.80\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.95\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.30\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.45\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.15\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.30\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.059\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 111px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable III: Main effect of crop variety on the growth of maize fodder (cm)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"602\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCrop variety\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLW\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite maize\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.09\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.54\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.36\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYellow maize\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.62\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.48\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.12\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.85\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS.E.M\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.b means with the same superscript are not significantly different (p\u0026lt; 0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable IV: Main effect of nutrient solutions on the growth of maize fodder (cm)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"602\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNutrient solutions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLW\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.63\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.54\u003csup\u003ebb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.64\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCow dung\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.10\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.97\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.87\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.50\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoultry dropping\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.05\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.96\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.46\u003csup\u003eaa\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmallruminant dung\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.68\u003csup\u003ebb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.72\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003csup\u003ebb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS.E.M\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e.b means with the same superscript are not significantly different (p\u0026lt; 0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable V: Interaction effects of variety and nutrient solutions on the growth of maize fodder\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"541\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariety\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNutrient solution\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLW\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;WHTE MAIZE\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCONTROL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.30\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.56\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCOW DUNG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.13\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.61\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.70\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.25\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePOULTRY\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.82\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.35\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.13\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSMALL RUMINANT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.49\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.07\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYELLOW MAIZE\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCONTROL\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.47\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.39\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.85\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCOW DUNG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.38\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.85\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePOULTRY DROPPINGS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.35\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.61\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.85\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSMALL RUMINANT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.48\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.92\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.66\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS.E.M\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea,b,c,d,e, means with the same superscript on the same column are not significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05). PH = plant height. LL = leaf length. LW = leaf width. LN = leaf number\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable VI: Interaction effects of variety and nutrient solutions on the biomass yield of maize fodder\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"501\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariety\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNutrient solution\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBiomass yield/ fresh weight (kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDry weight of fodder\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS.E.M\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite Maize\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.4\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoultry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.15\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall ruminant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.65\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.69\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.45\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYellow maize\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.55\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.82\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoultry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.36\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.68\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall ruminant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.85\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.42\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.45\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.35\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-agriculture","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Agriculture](https://www.springer.com/journal/44279)","snPcode":"44279","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/44279/3","title":"Discover Agriculture","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Growth, hydroponics, maize, fodder, dry matter","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7313122/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7313122/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRuminant livestock production is being intensified within peri-urban regions, but the consistent availability of quality fodder remains a significant limitation for commercial producers. Restricted land at the outskirts of cities pushed ruminant producers towards hydroponic fodder production technology as an alternative solution. The current research assessed growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder cultivated with varying organic nutrient solutions. Two maize varieties (white and yellow) were treated with nutrient solution obtained from cow dung, poultry manure, and small ruminant dung and water as a control. The experiment was carried out in 2 \u0026times; 8 \u0026times; 4 factorial arrangement with three replications. Seeds were irrigated three times a day, and growth parameters (plant height, leaf length, leaf width and number of leaves), and biomass yield were recorded after eight days of growth. Results showed that both the growth duration and the nutrient solution type significantly (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) affected fodder performance. Growth parameters were highest on the eighth day, and the most significant effects were in the cow dung-based nutrient solution. Yellow maize performed better than white maize for all the parameters taken. Yellow maize and cow dung solution performed the highest agronomically and in biomass, while white maize water-irrigated performed the lowest. Overall, the present study realised that development of maize fodder and biomass establishment in hydroponics is very much subject to variety of maize, nutrient source, and culture duration.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of different nutrient solutions on the growth and biomass yield of hydroponic maize fodder","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-19 14:41:34","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7313122/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-09-19T07:33:23+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-17T09:10:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"11437149265682355418170831679065158515","date":"2025-09-17T06:26:46+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-15T17:51:09+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-15T14:00:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"288439988298084749956158420709241820640","date":"2025-09-15T12:41:27+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"284917408527360977730555340299979650740","date":"2025-09-15T08:31:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"314576522763661390056913166492234083876","date":"2025-09-12T13:10:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"25069292501868841838459563578886728748","date":"2025-09-12T07:08:10+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-12T05:14:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-10T17:47:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-09-01T10:34:59+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-08-28T21:45:59+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Agriculture","date":"2025-08-28T21:43:23+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-agriculture","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Agriculture](https://www.springer.com/journal/44279)","snPcode":"44279","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/44279/3","title":"Discover Agriculture","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f2b926d7-e08d-47d3-bd55-188a90ead8d8","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 19th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-18T07:09:01+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-19 14:41:34","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7313122","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7313122","identity":"rs-7313122","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}