Sequential and parallel fodder production in wheat (Wticum aestivum)-based cropping system with special reference to nitrogen economy

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 1988-89 and 1989-90 for obtaining forage for animals and effecting nitrogen economy in wheat (Triticum aestivutn L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-based cropping system. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] gave significantly higher green fodder (36.0 and 31.7 tonnesiha), dry matter (10.1 and 10.4 tonnesiha) and crude protein (930 and 684 kgiha) compared with cowpea [ V i g ~ unguiculala (L.) Walp.] in both years. However, cowpea gave significantly higher crude protein yield than sorghum in 1988. Wheat grown after cowpea gave significantly higher grain and straw yields than when grown after sorghum. In association with wheaf Egyptian clover (Trifolium alerrmdrinum L.) in border method (in every founhpkipped row) gave 7.7-7.9 tonnesiha green fodder and 1.08-1.31 tonnesiha dry matter without causing significant reduction in wheat yield. The effect of nitrogen on wheat yield was significant and 120 kg Nlha gave significantly higher grain yield than 80 kg Niha. There was a significant interaction between N levels to wheat crop and preceding forage crops in the rainy season. There was no significant difference in wheat yield due to 80 and 120 kg Niha grown after cowpea, whereas after sorghum 120 icg Niha recorded significantly higher grain yield than 80 kg Nha. Therefore, growing of Egyption clover with wheat in every fourth skipped row sequence after cowpea found more productive and remunerative cropping system and economized fertilizer N up to 40 kg Niha without adversely affecting the wheat yield.