Production potential, nutrient uptake, economics and soil properties as influenced by fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars, nitrogen levels and FYM under semiarid condition of Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2007 and 2008 on sandy loam soil at Avikanagar to study the effect of cultivars, nitrogen levels and farmyard manure on performance of fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Cultivar ‘SSG 5001’ proved superior in green fodder yield (60.48 t /ha), dry matter (11.74 t /ha), crude protein content (7.79 %), protein yield (830.21 kg / ha), N content (1.20 %) and uptake (131.79 kg /ha) than other cultivars. The net return and benefit: cost ratio was also highest in ‘SSG 5001’ cultivar. The soil organic carbon content was improved but bulk density and soil pH was decreased under ‘SSG 5001’ cultivar. The growth parameters like plant height, dry matter production, green leaves /plant and crop growth rate (g /plant /day) were significantly increased upto 120 kg N /ha. The green fodder (62.08 t /ha), dry matter (10.69 t /ha), crude protein content (7.51 %), N content (1.15 %) and uptake (130.40 kg /ha) were maximum at 120 kg N /ha. But nitrogen use efficiency showed reverse trend with increasing N levels from 0 to 120 kg N /ha. Net return and benefit: cost ratio were accrued highest with the application of 120 kg N /ha (Rs. 32,070 /ha and 2.61) compared to other levels. Maximum green fodder, dry matter, crude protein yield, nitrogen use efficiency and economic returns were recorded with FYM (farmyard manure) @10 t /ha than control (without farmyard manure). The soil fertility was also improved significantly over control where FYM was applied @10 t /ha.