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

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.