Optimization of N and P Fertilizer for Higher Fodder Yield and Quality in Mottgrass under Irrigation-cum Rainfed Conditions of Pakistan

Abstract

The research work was conducted to determine the affect of fertilizer on mottgrass for higher fodder yield. Ten different combinations of N and P were studied. Significant differences were observed for all the nitrogen treatments while impact of phosphorous fertilizer was not evident for green fodder yield and its components. Maximum stem length (211 cm), leaf area (349.16 cm2) and numbers of tillers per plant (21.48) were produced in treatment T6 (120-60 N-P kg ha-1 yr-1). These factors contributed towards highest green fodder yield (174.70 tons ha-1 yr-1), dry matter yield (47.16 tons ha-1 yr-1) and crude protein (9.39 %) in this treatment (T6). There were positive correlations among all green fodder yield components. Therefore, combination of 120-60 N-P kg ha-1 yr-1 is recommended for maximum tonnage of green fodder in mott elephant grass under irrigated-cum rainfed conditions of Pothowar region in Pakistan. Further research on response of mottgrass to N exceeding dose of 120 N ha-1 is still needed.