Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Organic Manure and Planting Time on Yield and Quality of Hybrid Napier

摘要

An experiment was conducted during 2006 to 2007 at KVK Seed Multiplication Farm R.S.Pura, of SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir to study the effect of different levels of farm yard manure and nitrogen application at different planting dates on the growthand forage yield of hybrid napier (Pennisetumpurpureum Schum.). Significant increase in herbage yield on fresh and dry weight of hybrid-napier was recorded when it was planted on 2nd March. Application of farm yard manure @ 20t/ha and increasing nitrogen levels from 40 to 80 kg/ha resulted in significant increase in fresh herbage yield with concomitant increase in growth parameters viz. dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and dry herbage yield. Integration of farm yard manure and nitrogen levels also produced positive effect on the crude protein content resulting into production of quality herbage at higher rates. Henceforth, it may be concluded that napier-hybrid planted during first week of March in association with FYM@ 20 t/ha and applicationof nitrogen @ 80 kg/ha was the most economical treatment and resulted in improved growth, quality and herbage yield on both fresh and dry weight basis.