KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI DAN KANDUNGAN MAKROMINERAL Pennisetum purpureum VARIETAS BERBEDA

Abstract

Rumput gajah (Pennisetum purpureum) dikenal sebagai salah satu sumber hijauan tropis penting karena potensi produksi dan biomassa nutrisi tinggi untuk mendukung kebutuhan pakan ternak ruminansia. Rumput gajah di Indonesia telah dikembangkan menjadi beberapa varietas dengan keunggulan masing-masing. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis karakteristik morfologi dan kandungan kalsium dan fosfor tiga varietas rumput gajah, yaitu Hawaii, Biograss, dan Pakchong-1. Rancangan acak lengkap dengan 6 ulangan digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Parameter yang diamati meliputi tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, panjang dan lebar daun, laju pertumbuhan, klorofil, warna daun, produksi biomassa segar dan kering, nilai Brix, serta kandungan kalsium (Ca) dan fosfor (P) hijauan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa varietas Pakchong-1 menunjukkan tinggi tanaman mencapai, panjang daun dan kandungan kalsium lebih tinggi berturut-turut 253,16 cm, 123,00 cm, serta kandungan kalsium sebesar 1,18% lebih tinggi dibandingkan varietas lainnya Biograss menunjukkan konsentrasi fosfor 0,54%, Hawaii menunjukkan proporsi daun dan kadar abu 10,00%. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah varietas Pakchong-1 memiliki karakteristik morfologi terbaik dan kandungan kalsium tertinggi, varietas Hawaii memiliki kandungan abu tertinggi, sedangkan varietas Biograss unggul dalam kandungan fosfor.

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is recognized as one of the most critical tropical forages due to its high biomass yield potential and favorable nutritional profile in supporting the dietary requirements of ruminant livestock. This research aimed to identify and characterize the morphological attributes and macromineral composition of three elephant grass varieties: 'Hawaii', 'Biograss', and 'Pakchong-1'. The research was arranged in a completely randomized design with six replications to evaluate various growth, biomass, and quality parameters. The results demonstrated significant variations among the varieties. The 'Pakchong-1' variety exhibited the most superior vegetative performance, reaching a plant height of 253.16 cm and a leaf length of 123.00 cm, accompanied by the highest calcium (Ca) concentration at 1.18%. The 'Biograss' variety excelled in phosphorus (P) accumulation, yielding a concentration of 0.54%. The 'Hawaii' variety was characterized by a distinct leaf proportion and a higher ash content of 10.00%. In summary, 'Pakchong-1' was distinguished by its superior morphological growth and high calcium content, 'Hawaii' by its high mineral ash content, and 'Biograss' by its exceptional phosphorus content. These findings suggest that variety selection should be strategically aligned with specific livestock mineral and biomass requirements.