Effect of nitrogen application on forage yield and quality of maize sown alone and in mixture with legumes.

Abstract

A field experiment to study the effect of nitrogen application on forage yield and quality of maize sown alone and in mixture with legumes was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications. Maize variety Afgooi sown in mixture with cowpea and sesbania was given nitrogen at the rate of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1. The growth characteristics of maize like plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter and leaf area were influenced significantly by nitrogen application and were increased with increase in nitrogen levels. The crude protein was also increased with increase in nitrogen levels; however crude fibre and ether extractable fat contents were decreased with increase in nitrogen levels. The growing of maize in mixture with legumes significantly reduced plant height and number of leaves per plant of maize. Dry matter yield showed significant differences and maximum dry matter yield was recorded in maize+sesbania combination (13.25 t ha-1). The maize grown in mixture with sesbania may be given nitrogen at the rate of 150 kg ha-1 for getting higher forage yield of good quality.