Growth and fodder yield of forage pearl millet in newly cultivated land as affected by date of planting and integrated use of mineral and organic fertilizers

Abstract

This research was undertaken to determine the effect of sowing dates and integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers on growth and forage yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), in newly cultivated land. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University at Qena Governorate, Egypt, during the years 2009 and 2010. Three sowing dates viz., D 1 (15-April), D 2 (15-May) and D 3 (15-June) were assigned to main plots. Five combination inorganic and organic fertilizers viz. T 1 (recommended NPK; 180:55:60 kg ha -1), T 2 (20 tons FYM ha -1), T 3 (25% of NPK + 15 tons FYM ha -1), T 4 (50% of NPK +10 tons FYM ha -1) and T 5 (75% of NPK + 5 tons FYM ha -1) were assigned to sub plots. Results revealed that growth parameters and forage yield were significantly affected by the sowing dates and fertilization treatments. Crude protein content was unaffected by sowing date. The interaction of sowing dates and fertilization treatments significantly affected on number of tillers plant -1, LA and green and dry forage yields ha -1. Pearl millet sown at 15-May (D 2) and application of 75% of NPK + 5 tons FYM ha -1(T 5) gave the highest values of green and dry forge yields ha -1, while the lowest were found for D 3T 2. Thus, a sowing date at mid-May with integrated use of mineral and organic fertilizers (75% of NPK + 5 tons FYM ha -1) is recommended for forage pearl millet under the conditions of this study. © 2011 Asian of Crop Scientific Information.