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Sustainable Yield and Economic Efficiency of Para Grass ( Brachiaria mutica ) Using Composted Cow Manure

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  • Le Thi Phuong Thanh

    (Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
    School of Economics, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 94115, Vietnam)

  • Nguyen Van Thu

    (Department of Research Affairs & International Relations, Tay Do University, Can Tho City 94115, Vietnam)

  • Shu-Yi Liaw

    (Department of Business Administration, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan)

  • Nguyen The Hien

    (School of Economics, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 94115, Vietnam)

Abstract

This study evaluated a sustainable strategy for Para grass ( Brachiaria mutica ) forage using composted cow manure in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. At Nam Can Tho Experimental Farm (January–September 2023), a completely randomized design with three replications and three harvest cycles tested five topdressing rates: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t/ha/year (TDM0–TDM10). Tiller emergence, plant height, forage quality, biomass yield, and cost–benefit were measured. Tiller counts were unaffected ( p > 0.05), but plant height rose significantly with manure rate. Forage quality remained optimal (CP 7.10–7.85%, NDF 60.5–63.8%). Average fresh biomass yield (FBM, t/ha) increased linearly: y = 0.788x + 14.9 (R 2 = 0.937), where x is manure rate (t/ha/year). TDM10 yielded 50% more fresh forage (22.6 t/ha) and 48% more dry matter (4.43 t/ha) than the control (15.0 and 2.98 t/ha; p = 0.001), with crude protein up 56% (0.347 t/ha) and neutral detergent fiber up 41% (2.68 t/ha). Total cost increased slightly (from 521 to 552 USD/ha), but per-ton cost dropped 30% (from 34.7 to 24.4 USD). At 10 t/ha/year, manure optimized yield, profitability, circular nutrient use, and reduced fertilizer dependence, providing a scalable model for tropical smallholder livestock feed.

Suggested Citation

  • Le Thi Phuong Thanh & Nguyen Van Thu & Shu-Yi Liaw & Nguyen The Hien, 2025. "Sustainable Yield and Economic Efficiency of Para Grass ( Brachiaria mutica ) Using Composted Cow Manure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:21:p:9649-:d:1783073
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