GROWTH PATTERN OF HYDROPONIC FODDER PRODUCED FROM SORGHUM SEEDS AS INFLUENCED BY SPROUTING MEDIA

This study determined the effect of sprouting media on the growth pattern of hydroponic fodder produced from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) seeds. Two hundred and fifty grammes (250 g) of sorghum seeds were grown for 7 days in two media; borehole water (SW) and banana pseudo-stem/borehole water (SBW), respectively. Leaf height of the sorghum seed fodder was recorded daily for seven days. The completely randomised design was employed in this study. Data obtained from the study were subjected to student’s t-test. Results obtained indicated that the fodder height were similar (p>0.05) among the growth media within the growth period except day 5 (8.93 cm versus 7.23cm) and 7 (16.63 versus 12.40 cm). The average daily fodder growth rate (height) was, significantly higher in the SBW (2.37 cm) than SW (1.76 cm) The percentage daily increase in fodder height (growth rate) were however, similar (p>0.05) across media (14.18% versus 14.26%). Banana pseudo-stem meal is recommended as a medium for hydroponic production of fodder from sorghum seeds.