Influence of associate crops on forage yield of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) in relation to phosphate fertilization

Abstract

Two levels of phosphorus (0 and 60 kg/ha) and six associated treatments comprising of two component crops (maize and mustard) with berseem were studied during the Rabi season, 2008-09 at Hyderabad to work out suitable phosphorus levels and associate crops. The application of phosphorus @ 60 kg/ha recorded better growth parameters of berseem than 0 kg/ha phosphorus. Among the associate crop treatments, sole berseem recorded maximum growth parameters whereas the component crops did not show any significant variation due to ‘P’ levels and with berseem association. Maximum total green fodder yield (250.91) q/ha of berseem was recorded with the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg/ha. Among associate crop treatments, sole berseems recorded maximum forage yield 262.02 q/ha, while the maize associated treatments were at par.