Urea and composted cattle manure affect forage yield and nutritive value in sandy soils of south-central Vietnam

Improved forage management can support increased production in smallholder beef systems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mineral nitrogen (urea) and composted cattle manure on Brachiaria cv. Mulato II yield and nutritive value in south-central coastal Vietnam. Study design was a randomized complete block on six farms (blocks), with treatments derived from the factorial combination of five rates of composted cattle manure (0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 MgDMha(-1)year(-1)) and three urea rates (0, 60 and 120kgNha(-1)year(-1)), split into six yearly applications. Yield was measured from 2011 to 2013 with 36-day average harvest intervals. Forage nutritive value was measured in September 2011 and December 2012. Highest yields were achieved when both compost and urea were applied at high rates. The initial yield and tiller responses to urea application were not sustained over the duration of the study when no compost was applied. Compost applied in isolation did not increase yield. Compost application increased ash concentration. Urea increased nutrient yield for all forage nutritive value parameters measured. Composted cattle manure combined with urea benefits grass yield, but high application rates are needed for sustained high yields on sandy soils.