Evaluation of sugargraze (Sorghum bicolor), fodder maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under different sources of nitrogen

Abstract

The present study was carried out at Karnal, Haryana during rainy (kharif) season of 201415 to estimate green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and nitrogen uptake in fodder maize (Zea mays L.), fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and sugargraze (Sorghum bicolor) in response to organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen. The highest green fodder yield (63.74 t/ha), N uptake (259.1 kg/ha) and crude protein (10.42%) was recorded in sugargraze crop and the percent dry-matter was the highest in fodder sorghum (23.83%). Among the fertilizer sources, 100% N through inorganic form recorded the highest green fodder (51.10 t/ha), N uptake (230.0 kg/ha) and crude protein (10.2%). The N content as well as its uptake was also significantly higher in sugargraze than fodder maize and fodder sorghum. The highest net income ( 75,986/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (4.87) were ob- tained in sugargraze. Among the nitrogen sources, inorganic source of nitrogen recorded maximum net income ( 56,505/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.78). The study demonstrated that the fodder sugargraze has a capacity to accumulate dry-matter and N rapidly especially under inorganic fertilization. It could be a better choice in well irri- gated fertilized soils as a high yielding fodder crop.