Forage quality and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as influenced by cutting management under staggered sowing in North-West India

Abstract

ABSTRACT The regrowth ability of barley can be put to use by taking one cutting during the active vegetative growth stage and then leaving the regenerated crop for grain production. The effects of three sowing dates (October 15; October 30 and November 15) and five cutting management (control; cut at 50 days after sowing (DAS); cut at 60 DAS; cut at 50 DAS + N application and cut at 60 DAS + N application) on forage quality and productivity of barley was evaluated over a 2-year period (2015–2017). November 15 sowing with early fodder cutting, taken at 50 DAS produced significantly higher ether extract, digestibility (in vitro), nitrate content and leaf stem ratio, while crude protein of October 30 and November 15 sowing with cut at 50 DAS were statistically similar. October 15 sowing and cut at 60 DAS gave highest crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre and digestible dry matter. Early sowing i.e. October 15 with cut at 60 DAS gave significantly higher green fodder yield. October 15 and cut at 50 DAS produced significantly higher grain yield than other treatments but was statistically similar with control crops that sown on October 15 and October 30.