Effect of different nitrogen levels and cutting stages on crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter and green fodder yield of oat (Avena sativa L.)

Abstract

In Pakistan and especially in the Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, less attention has been given to the research of fodder and forages, it is therefore animals are generally underfed and under nourished which results in their poor performance. An experiment entitled “effect of different nitrogen levels and cutting stages on crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter and green fodder yield of oat (Avena sativa L.)” was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab, under the semi-arid condition of Peshawar valley to investigate an optimum nitrogen level and a proper cutting stage of oat that gives best results in terms of quality and quantity. The experiment was conducted by using factorial split plot randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. The nitrogen levels (N1 = 30, N2 = 60, N3 = 90 and N4 = 120 kg ha-1 respectively) were assigned to main plots while oat cutting stages i.e (booting and 50 % heading stage) were allocated to sub plot. Maximum crude protein (9.53%), crude fiber (39.27%) and dry matter (21.9%) were obtained with application of N@120 kg ha-1 while higher (39.16 t ha-1) green fodder yield was recorded in plots received N@ 90 kg ha-1. Cutting at pre booting stage resulted in highest crude protein (8.42%) while it gave lowest crude fiber (35.22%) and green fodder yield (31.25 t ha-1) whereas cutting at 50% heading stage yielded minimum crude protein (7.00%) and higher crude fiber (38.23%) and green fodder yield (39.50 t ha-1). Results revealed that nitrogen should be applied @ 90 kg ha-1 and cutting should be taken at pre booting stage of fodder oat to get optimum outcome in term of quality and quantity in the study area. Keywords: Oat (Avena sativa L.); Nitrogen; Cutting intervals; Crude protein; Crude fiber; Green fodder http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60044