Effect of Different Varieties, Nitrogen Levels and Cutting Management on Yield and Its Attributes of Fodder Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Abstract

Aims: To identify an ideal pearl millet variety under ideal nitrogen level and cutting management for high green fodder yield and dry fodder yield.
 Study Design: Factorial Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, Agricultural Research Institute, from July 2021 and Nov 2021.
 Methodology: Field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2021. The treatments consisted of three varieties (TSFB 15-4, TSFB 15-8 and Moti bajra), three nitrogen levels (80, 100 and 120 kg N ha-1) and two cutting management practices (C1: Two cuts: 1st at 60 days after sowing (DAS), 2nd cut at 50% flowering) (C2: Three cuts: 1st at 50 days after sowing (DAS), 2nd cut at 35 days after 1st cut and 3rd cut at 50% flowering) laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept, with Factor (A) as varieties, Factor (B) as nitrogen levels and Factor (C) as cutting management with three replications. The soil was sandy loam in texture with pH of 7.0 low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and available potassium.
 Results: Variety TSFB 15-8 recorded significantly higher plant height (67.2 cm) and leaf-stem ratio (0.4) green forage yield (821.1 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (198.4 q ha-1)respectively, but Moti bajra variety was recorded highest number of tillers m-2 (4.5).Application of nitrogenat the rate of 120 kgha-1 significantly recorded highest plant height (72.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (4.7) and leaf-stem ratio (0.4), green forage yield (817.7 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (201.0 q ha-1). Three cuts for green fodder recorded significantly higher plant height (65.9 cm), number of tillers (5.1) and leaf-stem ratio (0.5) green fodder yield(910.0 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (216.4 q ha-1) compared to two cuts.
 Conclusion: Variety TSFB 15-8 with nitrogen level of 120 kg N ha-1 at C2 found suitable and economical for cultivation in southern Telangana zone.