Studies on the forage production potentials and quality of Iseilema grassland community as influenced by fertilizer in Bundelkhand Region of U.P.

摘要

Field experiment was conducted at Bohapura Sheep Farm, Orai, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2000-2001 on a 1-year old protected stand dominated by Iseilema laxum, to determine the production potential and quality of this species as affected by fertilizer applications. The treatments were consisted of five levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N/ha) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 30 and 60 kg P2O5). To obtain dry forage production, four cuttings, i.e., on 9 and 29 August, 20 September and 16 October, were selected as per growth. The physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and climatic conditions in the study area were determined. Seventeen grasses including both perennial and annual grasses were observed. The prominent perennial grasses are Dichanthium annulatum and I. laxum dominating the grassland. In addition, 10 legumes and 19 forbs were also recorded. The maximum number of species (44) were recorded in rainy season, which decline up to 22 during winter season because of the death of most annuals. Minimum number of species (18) were in summer season. Application of superphosphate at 30 and 60 kg P2O5/ha increased the dry forage production by 4.12 and 4.50 t/ha, respectively over the control (3.30 t/ha). Protein content in dry forage of Iseilema grassland increased with increasing levels of nitrogen. The highest protein content (8.55%) was recorded with the application of 90 kg N/ha at early flowering stage. The crude protein content was also increased with corresponding increase of phosphorus application..