Effect of Various Fertilizers on Growth of Elephantopus scaber Linn Intercropped in Forest

Effect of various fertilizers for the intercropped Elephantopus scaber Linn in forest on the growth performance of the grass was studied. Major growth and yield indices of the turf with or without the application of a biogas fertilizer, a compound fertilizer or organic manure were compared. The results showed that the fertilization one month after planting effectively increased the plant height, leaf count, leaf length, leaf width, root length, total yield, root yield, root/shoot ratio, and other growth and yield indices of the grass. It doubled the total yield as compared to control. Consequently, fertilization could be a direct and effective way to promote the growth and yield of E. scaber. The application was best implemented from May to August when the peak growth of the grass occurred. The biogas slurry appeared to perform better overall and was more conducive to the grass-intercropping than the other fertilizers tested.