Evaluation of Chrysopogon Aciculatus (Ritz.) Trin. Seed for Sod Production in Ghana: An Assessment of Growth Performance and Post Harvest Quality

This study examined the growth and post-harvest quality of sod produced from C. aciculatus seed, a popular turfgrass in Ghana. Although viable and readily available, C. aciculatus seeds are not commonly used, and its sod quality characteristics are unknown. The experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture Education, AAMUSTED, Mampong campus, using a 3 x 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, using a wooden frame system. The treatment factors were Fertilizer (10 t/ha chicken manure, 450 kg ha-1 Foliar fertilizer, and No fertilizer) and base netting (Rubber fiber net, Jute mat, and No net). Results showed that chicken manure with no base net and chicken manure with rubber fiber net interactions provided the earliest days to seedling emergence. Chicken manure and foliar-fertilized sods had significantly higher Clipping fresh and dry weights. Higher sod tensile strength, lasting, and handling quality were recorded with chicken manure and rubber fiber net interaction as the best performance in all instances. In conclusion, C. aciculatus seed can be used to produce high-quality sod, and it is recommended for commercial sod production in Ghana. Chicken manure and rubber fiber net interactions are the best treatments for achieving optimal results in C. aciculatus sod production.