Effect of introduction of Setaria sphacelatu and cutting management on productivity of a natural grassland

Abstract

An experiment on the introduction of Setaria sphacelata (Schum.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb. ex Moss and cutting management was conducted in a natural grassland of Jothat during 1995 and 1996 under rainfed condition. On an average of 2 years, an introduction of Setaria sphacelata cv. Kazungula proved advantageous than the cv. Nandi from production and quality point of view. Cutting management significantly influenced forage production and crude protein yield. Three cut management proved superior to 1 and 2 cuttings in respect of forage yield, quality and distribution point of view. The residual available N and P contents in soil decreased with the increase in number of cuttings. G- Key words : Introduction, Cutting management, Productivity, Natural Grassland, Setaria sphacelata