Green Fodder Yield and Nutrient Composition of African Tall Maize Fodder (Zea mays) With Various Nitrogen-Phosphorus Levels

The effect of different combination of Nitrogen-Phosphorus levels was studied in a field experiment particularly on the fodder yield and quality of African tall maize fodder. Nitrogen-Phosphorus fertilizers at the rate of 0-0, 100-30, 120-40 and 160-50 kg per ha were applied. Green fodder yield and dry matter percentage were influenced significantly by the application of nitrogen and phosphorus. Maximum green fodder yield was obtained at Nitrogen-Phosphorus level of 160-50 kg / ha. Quality parameters such as crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, total ash, calcium and phosphorus contents were also influenced significantly by the application of Nitrogen-Phosphorus fertilizers. All Nitrogen-Phosphorus combination produced higher crude protein, crude fibre ether extract, total ash, calcium and phosphorus contents over control. The present study indicates that significantly higher green fodder yield with improved nutrient composition in the form of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, total ash, Calcium and phosphorus can be achieved with NP fertilizers in an effective combination level of 160-50 followed by 120-40 and 100-30

Agronomical techniques to improve technological and sanitary quality

In spite of variable grain protein contents, baking quality of organic wheat was found to be acceptable to good. Mycotoxin (DON) infestation was generally low on tested grain samples. Choice of wheat cultivar was the most efficient way to obtain higher grain quality. Fertilization with readily available nitrogen and, to a lower extent, association with legumes and green manures with mixtures containing fodder legumes also improved grain quality. Reduced tillage affected soil quality and wheat yield but had little effects on grain quality

Effect of seaweed saps on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economic improvement of maize (sweet corn)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2012-13 at Research cum Instructional Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economic of maize (sweet corn) in Matasi soil of Chhattisgarh. The foliar spray of two different species (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) was applied thrice at different interval of crop with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15% v/v) of seaweed extracts. Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and B:C ratio parameters. The green cob yield (189.97 q ha-1) and fodder yield (345.19 q ha-1) were recorded highest under treatment (T8) 15% G Sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) which was significant similar with treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (185.24 q ha-1) in case of green cob yield. The highest N, P and K uptake by green cob and fodder were observed under 15% G Sap + RDF (T8). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8), recorded maximum gross return (Rs. 2,07,230 ha-1), net return (Rs. 1,38,756 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.0), which was followed by treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (T4) with net return (Rs. 1,33,199 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.95). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8) gave Rs. 45,996 ha-1 more as compared to Water spray + RDF (T9)

Genetic divergence in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Thirty genotypes of forage sorghum were studied for generating information on nature and magnitude of genetic variability and diversity for designing breeding programme. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design in three replications. The data were recorded on days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf breadth, leaf length, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids, protein content and green fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed a substantial amount of variability among the genotypes for all the characters under study, indicated a wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. Highest estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for plant height, leaf breadth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. Based on D2 – Statistics, 30 genotypes were grouped into six clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VI followed by IV and VI, indicating genotypes included in these clusters had wide genetic diversity. Genetic divergence and cluster mean indicates maximum heterosis and good recombinants may be achieved in crosses between genotypes of clusters III, IV and VI in varietal improvement programme. Thus, crossing between genetically diverse genotypes of cluster III with genotypes CSV 15, PC 1001, SPV 462, PC 3, SSV 84, PC 8 and cluster VI with genotype HJ 513 are expected to exhibit high heterosis and good recombinants with desired traits

Water quality effect on fodder maize and soil characteristics

The field experiment was conducted to observe the impact of different water qualities on salt- tolerant and sensitive maize cultivars at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during Spring and Autumn seasons of 2006. Maize cultivars viz. tolerant (EV-1098, Agaiti-2002) and sensitive (EV-4001 and Akbar) were treated with water qualities viz. EC 0.40 (Canal water), 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 dS m-1. The applied saline water levels were prepared by mixing the canal water with poor quality tube well water (EC 11.00 dS m-1). Soil samples were collected from 0-15, 15-30, 30-45, and 45-60 cm for determination of physicochemical properties viz. Soil texture (pre sowing), pH, EC, SAR, soluble cations and anions. Tall plants, more green and less dry leaves per plant, higher green fodder yield, and dry fodder yield were recorded with the application of canal water having EC 0.4 dS m-1. Decreased values of all these traits recorded as the salinity level incre ased from EC 0.4 to 8.0 dS m-1. Among the cultivars, EV-1098 and Agaiti-2002 performed better under different water qualities as compared to EV-4001 and Akbar. Application of brackish water also significantly affected the soil chemical composition by enhancing EC, soluble sodium, and chloride contents in soil. It is concluded that application of canal water is suitable for maximum maize productivity with safeguard of soil profiles from further deterioration in terms of salt content. Alternate use of brackish water could be less than EC 4.0 dS m-1 and increase in EC beyond this level reduced maize fodder yield and degraded soil

Economic viability of phytoremediation of a cadmium contaminated agricultural area using energy maize: part I: effect on the farmer's income

This paper deals with the economic viability of using energy maize as a phytoremediation crop in a vast agricultural area moderately contaminated with metals. The acceptance of phytoremediation as a remediation technology is, besides the extraction rate, determined by its profitability, being the effects it has on the income of the farmer whose land is contaminated. This income can be supported by producing renewable energy through anaerobic digestion of energy maize, a crop that takes up only relatively low amounts of metals, but that can be valorised as a feedstock for energy production. The effect on the income per hectare of growing energy maize instead of fodder maize seems positive, given the most likely values of variables and while keeping the basic income stable, originating from dairy cattle farming activities. We propose growing energy maize aiming at risk-reduction, and generating an alternative income for farmers, yet in the long run also generating a gradual reduction of the pollution levels. In this way, remediation is demoted to a secondary objective with sustainable risk-based land use as primary objective

An organic vegetable crop rotation aimed at self-sufficiency in nitrogen

The paper describes the organic vegetable crop rotation. The ideas behind the design of the crop rotation, the use of green manures and catch crops, and how information on crop root growth has been used to try to design a crop rotation with a high NUE and minimal N leaching losses. The results from the first years of the rotation, in terms of yield and N uptake of the crops and of the content of inorganic N in the soil are presented