Production and nutrients value of local forage plant in the coastal region of Lebak-Banten

Abstract

The coastal region of Lebak-Banten is home to 30% of the total buffalo population in the Lebak district. To develop the buffalo population in the area, forage plants (FP) need to be available year-round. However, the coastal region is categorized as a marginal area due to its limitations such as high salinity and partial acidity. Developing FP in the coastal area involves introducing superior, salinity or acidity tolerant FP, or increasing production of local FP through cultivation techniques. Research was conducted using a survey method based on distance from the beach (25-100 m, 1 km, and 5 km), reflecting the relocation habits of farmers during both dry and rainy seasons The result of the exploration were cultivated in the Ciawi experimental garden utilizing a randomized completely block design with 5 replications. Cultivated grass was also observed, and the parameters measured were productivity and nutritional value of the forage. Results showed that 15 types of FP could be grown on acidic land, and 5 types on saline land. Axonopus grass had the highest production on a 1m² area, while Illat Kerbau grass had the highest production per clump. In the saline land, Jotang grass (Comelina benghalensis 1238.33 g/m²) and Japanese grass (584.40 g/m²) had the highest productions. The highest production after planting was achieved with Binuangeun grass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium (38.77 g/clump) and Benggala (Panicum maximum) cv Mombasa grass (2846.7 g/clump) for local and cultivated grasses, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential for developing local grass varieties tolerant to salinity or acidity through breeding or cultivation techniques to achieve optimal production.