Nutritional composition and yield of forage grasses treated with vermicompost and urea

Abstract Feed insecurity remains a major limiting factor to livestock production in Ethiopia. This study evaluated the effects of fertilizer treatments on the yield, nutritional composition, and economic returns of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.), and Guinea (Megathyrsus maximus) grasses in northwestern Ethiopia. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at mid- and high-altitude sites. The treatments were: control, 100% vermicompost (VC), 70% VC + 30% urea, 30% VC + 70% urea, and 100% urea. Chemical composition parameters were analyzed, and crude protein yield per hectare (CPY t/ha) was quantified. The highest DMY (3.93 t ha⁻¹) and CPY (0.45 t ha⁻¹) of the grasses were recorded from 30% VC + 70% urea, followed by 70% VC + 30% urea. Sole VC produced moderate DMY (2.9 t ha⁻¹) but achieved the highest benefit–cost ratio (8.41). Mid-altitude conditions resulted in higher CP (9.6%) and CPY (0.37 t ha⁻¹) than high altitude. Napier grass recorded the highest CP (10.84%) and DMY (4.44 t ha⁻¹) among species. Integrated VC and urea maximized grasses yield, whereas sole VC represents a cost-efficient organic alternative for sustainable forage production and clean dairy value chains.