Range Management and Agroforestry

Productivity and quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin based hortipasture system

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A study was conducted for the assessment of productivity and nutritive quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin-based horti-pasture system. Among different rabi fodder crops, higher green fodder yield was produced by berseem followed by ryegrass and lucerne under partial shade of kinnow mandarin orchard. Green fodder yield of berseem was 12.83, 14.50, 37.23 and 79.17% higher as compared to ryegrass, lucerne, oat and mustard, respectively. Due to diversity in genetic makeup, parameters of analysis vary significantly in different rabi fodder crops. Ash content (14.03%), acid insoluble ash content (3.90%), crude fiber content (48.03%) and crude fat content (3.18%) was found highest under berseem, oat, mustard and ryegrass, respectively. Fat content in ryegrass was 2.47, 4.48, 17.67 and 13.25 times higher as compared to mustard, berseem, lucerne and oat, respectively. Crude protein content was highest in lucerne (32.73%) followed by berseem (25.11%). Similarly lucerne was superior fodder crop with respect to N, Zn and Cu concentrations. Though, P, K and Fe concentration in ryegrass fodder was found higher as compared to other fodder crops.

Effect of intercropping and zinc management on weed density and fodder yield in oats

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of intercropping and zinc application on weed density and forage yield in the Bundelkhand region during the Rabi season of 2020-2021 at the Research Farm of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi. The experiment comprised eight treatments with sole cropping of oat (CS1) and intercropping of oat with berseem (CS2)] in the main plot and four nutrient management practices [control (NM1), recommended dose of fertilizers RDF (NM2), recommended dose of fertilizers with zinc sulfate (NM3) and recommended dose of fertilizers with nano zinc (NM4)] in sub-plots in split plot design. The results showed that the weed density (150 m-2) and weed biomass (26.1 g m-2) in CS2 was found significantly lower than CS1 (186 m-2 and 34.5 g m-2, respectively). NM4 treatment had significantly lower weed density (158 m-2) and weed biomass (25.6 g m-2) than NM3 (215 m-2 and 45.13 g m-2) and NM2 (175 m-2 and 25.6 g m-2) among nutrient management practices. Also, intercropping + RDFnZn treatment produced significantly the highest green fodder yield (57.3 t ha-1) when compared to the rest of the treatments

Nutritional evaluation and comparison of extraction processes of parota [Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb. Mimosaceae] almonds

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different forms of mechanical extraction and treatment on the composition and nutritional value of parota almonds. The composition of raw, cooked, roasted and sprouted almonds was analyzed. The yield of recovered seeds was evaluated by comparing it with a hammer mill or manually. Three treatments were reevaluated with the dryer designed with processing times of 15, 30 and 60 minutes at 40°C. The germinated parota had a higher protein content (39.17%) followed by crude parota almond (34.9%). Thus it was feasible to take advantage of mechanical processing of parota almond for use as a potential protein resource for animal feeding.

Berseem hay supplementation to improve productivity of Bundelkhandi goats in winter season

Deepak Upadhyay, Pooja Tamboli, Anup Kumar, K. K. Singh, S. K. Mahanta — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted to determine the effect of berseem hay supplementation on the productive performances of goats in the winter season. About 20 Bundelkhandi male goats were selected and fed either on conventional feeding (control group, n = 10) and improved diet (treatment group, n = 10). The control group fed on conventional grazing (8 hours) + conc. mixture @ 1.0% of BW while the treatment group was fed on conventional grazing (8 hours) + conc. mixture @ 1.0% of BW + quality berseem hay (300 g/head/d). The Meteorological variables, feed intake, body weight, nutrient digestibility and physiological parameters (rectal temperature, head surface temp, pulse rate, respiration rate) were measured. The climatic variable suggested that during December and January month animals were under cold stress. There was no significant difference between groups for physiological parameters. However, during peak winter, rectal and head temperatures were recorded in the lower range in both groups during the evening. The body weight gain in goats fed with the treatment diet was significantly (p <0.05) higher as compared to the control group. It was concluded that the supplementation of berseem hay (300 g/h/d) in male Bundelkhandi goats resulted in improvement in protein (8.07 vs. 10.05, g/kg W0.75) intake with a positive impact on body weight gain without any significant effect on physiological parameters during the winter season.

Vulnerability to climate change among the Changpa pastoral nomads of Leh-Ladakh

Sanjit Maiti, Sanchita Garai, Mukesh Bhakat, K. S. Kadian — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pastoral nomads of the Himalayan region are the least responsible but most threatened by climate change. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze vulnerability to climate change among the randomly selected 200 Changpa pastoral nomads of Leh-Ladakh. A vulnerability to climate change index was developed underlying the principle of IPCC by using 18 household-level indicators of bio-physical and societal importance. The study indicated that the average vulnerability scores of Changpa pastoral nomads were positive, which indicated their shock-absorbing capacity to extreme climatic conditions, whereas 32% of the households were extremely vulnerable. But vulnerability index score of 7.50% of households was negative, which indicated their inability to cope with the extreme climatic conditions. Hence, immediate attentions are required to formulate better adaptation strategies to improve the adaptive capacity of the vulnerable Changpa pastoral nomads to changing climate conditions.

Floristic composition and phytosociology of various forage-based land-use systems in the Himalayas over an altitudinal gradient

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Systematic sampling method was used to study ground vegetation diversity and phytosociology of chir pine silvipasture (SPCP), mixed-trees silvipasture (SPM), ban oak silvipasture (SPBO) and grasslands (Gr) in the western Himalaya, India along an altitudinal gradient viz., E1 (< 850 m), E2 (851–1150 m), E3 (1151–1450 m), E4 (1451–1750 m) and E5 (>1751 m). Ground vegetation belonging to 36 families, 106 genera, and 122 species were recorded, of which 68.85% of species belong to herbs and 31.15% belong to shrubs. Shannon-Wiener and Shannon evenness indices varied from 1.51 (Gr at E2) to 2.86 (SPM at E5), 0.46 (Gr at E2) to 0.80 (SPM at E4), for herbs; 1.91 (Gr at E1) to 2.78 (SPM at E5), 0.79 (SPCP at E1) to 0.92 (SPM at E3), for shrubs, respectively. The density and basal area of herbs were higher in grassland as compared to silvipasture systems, while it was vice-versa in the case of shrubs. These phytosociological characteristics of herbs and shrubs typically declined with elevation in all the land-use systems. Thus, silvipasture systems showed higher ground species diversity than grasslands. The phytosociological parameters of herbs were better in grasslands as compared to silvipastures. However, shrubs showed better growth parameters under silvipasture systems as compared to grasslands.

Effects of exclosures on mountain grassland floristic composition in Sidama, Ethiopia

Denbeshu Debeko, Ayana Angassa, Solomon Mengistu, Adugna Tolera — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to assess the effects of exclosure on mountain grassland’s species composition, richness, diversity and dominance in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. Locally established exclosures aged between 10 and 12 years old were compared against adjacent open-grazed areas in Mollona-Meno Kebele for this study. The study was replicated at four sites. An exclosure was paired with adjacent open-grazed lands having a similar land area and slope. Both in the exclosures and adjacent open-grazed lands, 87 and 86 plant species were recorded, representing 20 families, respectively. A significantly higher difference was observed between exclosures and adjacent open-grazed lands in terms of herbaceous species abundance, diversity, evenness and density. Higher herbaceous species’ important value index (IVI) was recorded inside exclosures than in the open-grazed lands. The results suggested that the establishment of exclosures on degraded lands could support the restoration of degraded native herbaceous species which consequently enhanced ecosystem services.

Agroforestry area mapping using medium resolution satellite data and object-based image analysis

M. Varshitha, T. Chaitanya, T. L. Neelima, G. Jayasree — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Agroforestry is gaining increased attention within global policy processes and has been promoted as a strategy for working towards better food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation and livelihood resilience. With this gaining importance of agroforestry, site-specific studies are required to delineate different agroforestry systems and estimate the exact area under agroforestry. In this study remote sensing and GIS techniques were used for the estimation of area under agroforestry using medium-resolution satellite (sentinel 2A and 2B) data. Agroforestry area classification and estimation were done in e-Cognition developer software (10.0 version) through multiresolution segmentation and object-based image analysis (OBIA). The agroforestry area estimated in the erstwhile Warangal district was 3753 ha with an overall accuracy of 86% and a kappa coefficient of 0.84. The major agroforestry systems observed in the erstwhile Warangal district were eucalyptus, subabul, malabar neem, teak, sandalwood and red sanders.

Genetic diversity studies in local collections and advanced generations of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes for fodder yield and yield-attributing traits

Vinodkumar S. K., K. Sridhar, S. K. Deshpande, N. S. Kulkarni — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Precise information about genetic divergence is vital for a productive breeding program, as genetically diverse parents produce high heterotic effects, producing desirable segregants with higher yield levels. This study assessed seventy genotypes and four checks to estimate the extent of genetic diversity based on ten morphological traits attributed to yield. The genotypes showed significant differences for all the traits considered. Based on the Mahalanobis D2 statistics, the genotypes were grouped into ten clusters, with cluster I having the maximum number of genotypes, whereas cluster IX had a single genotype. The average inter-cluster distances revealed that the genotypes in clusters VI and VII were more diverse. In contrast, clusters I and III genotypes had the shortest inter-cluster distances, indicating genetic closeness. The study revealed a broad genotypic diversity within and between the alfalfa germplasm collections. The genotypes in clusters I, III, and V provide excellent genetic material for alfalfa yield improvement. They offer a possible way to exploit the existing variability to develop superior populations or composites

Deciphering the genetic architecture of β-glucan content in oats (Avena sativa L.) through QTL mapping

Gagandeep Kaur, Rahul Kapoor, Lalit Pal, Puja Srivastava, Priti Sharma — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Oat is a cereal grain grown for human and animal nutrition. It is known for its high dietary fibre content, phytochemicals, and nutritional value. The primary component of oat fibre is β-glucan, a group of polysaccharides comprising mixed-linkage (1,3) (1,4)-D-glucose units. The β-glucan concentrations of oat cultivars usually range from 3 to 6% and are considered a polygenic trait controlled by multiple genes with additive effects. The primary goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for β-glucan content. Two contrasting parents for β-glucan content, OL10 (5.8%) and OL11 (0.8%), were selected from 91 germplasm lines, and an F2:4 mapping population was generated for QTL mapping. Five genotypes with the highest levels of β-glucan content were observed. The QTLs affecting β-glucan content were identified using QTL cartographer, employing single marker analysis (SMA) and composite interval mapping (CIM). Two putative QTL regions were identified, one on linkage group (LG) 1 and the other on LG 4, with LOD (logarithm of the odds) scores of 3.7 and 4.3, respectively, explaining 31 and 33% of the phenotypic variation. The information generated is important in identifying the genomic regions responsible for β-glucan content in oats.

Genetic parameters, correlation and path analysis for fodder and dual purpose sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes

Dalip, Natwar S. Dodiya, Deepak Panwar, Naval S. Devra — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About 60 diverse sorghum genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic parameters, association among fodder and grain yield component traits and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design at Instructional Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Rajasthan College of Agriculture (MPUAT), Udaipur in collaboration with AICRP on Sorghum. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all 14 traits studied. In the present investigation range of the magnitudes of all genetic parameters for each trait was classified based on mean and standard deviation (SD) into three categories viz., high (> ), medium (in between ) and low (< ). Traits viz., total soluble solids (%), grain yield per plant (g), leaf breadth (cm) and dry fodder yield per plant (g) were the most approachable for selection as they had higher GCV, PCV, genetic gain and moderate to high heritability in a broad sense. Hence, simple selection could be effective for further improvement of these characters. Based on correlation and path analysis, the traits, dry fodder yield per plant, harvest index, green fodder yield per plant, leaf breadth, protein content and plant height might be considered as indirect selection indices for improvement in grain and fodder yields of sorghum.

GGE biplot and AMMI analysis for stability and adaptability of dual-purpose maize hybrids tested across multi-environments for baby corn and fodder yield

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Meeting the growing demand for baby corn necessitates the development of dual-purpose hybrids that are both high-yielding and genetically stable. Accordingly, the present study aimed for multi-location testing of twelve newly crossed elite baby corn hybrids along with one check CMVL BABY CORN-2 across four environments during Rabi 2021-22. Analysis of variance underscored the significant impact of genetic (G), environmental (E), and their interaction (GE) on all traits under study. The environment was the most important source of variation for all the traits, followed by G (3.37–10.51%) and GE (1.03–2.77). The first two principal components explained 88.48, 87.52 and 76.03% of the total variation for DS, BCY and GFY, respectively. Environmental evaluation classified locations into three distinct mega-environments viz. ME I encompassed Hyderabad and Hazaribagh, and ME II and III were represented solely by Ludhiana and Varanasi, respectively. Based on the GGE biplot and AMMI analysis, genotypes T9 and T11 exhibited superior performance and stability across multiple locations over the check for both BCY and GFY traits.

Parent-offspring regression and intergeneration correlation analysis in powdery mildew resistance derived F4 and F5 generations of oat

Jyoti Kumari, V.K. Sood, Sawan Kumar, S.K. Sanadya, Priyanka, Rhitisha Sood — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the intergeneration correlation and parent-offspring regression in F4 and F5 generations of seven different oat crosses which were grown during Rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively, at Experimental Farm of Fodder Section, CSKHPKV, Palampur. Correlation studies revealed a negative correlation between crude protein yield per plant with grain yield per plant in F5 generation and a positive correlation between fresh fodder yield per plant and dry matter yield per plant in both generations, revealing crude protein yield as major forage yield component. F4 generation progenies showed highly significant and positive values of intergeneration correlation and regression with F5 generation progenies for grain yield per plant, crude protein yield per plant, harvest index and number of tillers per plant in most of the crosses, which indicated that the performance of plants on the basis of these traits is a reliable indicator of their performance in subsequent generations. Narrow sense heritability increased with the advancement of generation from F4 to F5, indicating the additivity of gene effects for the traits such as grain yield per plant, 100-grain weight, harvest index and crude protein yield per plant. Two progenies P4-5-2 -5 and P4-5-2-8 of the cross HJ-8 × JPO-46 were resistant to powdery mildew disease in F5 generation and the number of resistant plants was more in F5 generation over F4 generation which showed the efficiency of selection for resistance to powdery mildew.

Physiological adaptations of lucerne under a limited irrigation system

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field study was conducted to identify the physiological tolerance mechanism of lucerne to limited irrigations. Lucerne needs irrigation once in 10 days. So, limited irrigation treatment was imposed once every 25 days. In the initial part of the experiment, accessions collected from the western part of India were screened for biomass potential under limited irrigation in an augmented RBD design. Accessions that performed well under these conditions were grown under temporal isolation, and seeds were collected. In the second part, a field experiment was conducted at SRRS, ICAR-IGFRI, Dharwad, from December 2018 to March 2020 to screen lucerne accessions under limited irrigation to identify the physiological and morphological characters that are required to impart tolerance in lucerne under the cut and carry limited irrigation system. An RBD design was adopted to screen 12 lucerne accessions under limited and full irrigated conditions. Accessions that maintained good persistence under limited irrigation also performed significantly (Acc38/2010, Acc23/2010, A2) regarding yield. Persistence during the juvenile phase depended on conductance, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant capacity. Accessions showed a constant increase in the number of branches after each harvest under limited irrigation was promising in yield performance. Specific-leaf weight (SLW), crude protein, conductance, increased number of branches, and persistence were significantly and positively correlated with yield.

Integrated physiological and molecular approaches to study salt-induced adaptation in halophytes collected from extremely saline lands

Ashwani Kumar, Arvind Kumar, Naresh Kumar, B. L. Meena, Anita Mann — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Diverse halophytes were collected across the extremely salt-affected lands of Haryana to explore their salt potential. Higher levels of Na+ and Cl- were observed in leaves (3.20 and 4.55%) than in stem (0.78 and 1.09%) and root (0.81 and 0.80 %). Interestingly, these plants also accumulated higher concentrations of K+ for their survival. Similarly, Ca2+ accumulation was higher in leaves (1.57%) than in stems (1.15%) and roots (1.18%). The salt tolerance potential of these halophytes was assessed by examining the ratio of accumulation of toxic ions, namely Na/K, Na/Ca, and Na+Cl to K+Ca, resulting in their characterization and ranking from highly salt tolerant to least tolerant. The utilization of this ionic accumulation index has the potential to serve as a criterion for the elimination of surplus toxic ions from soil. The halophytes employed adaptive mechanisms by synthesizing osmolytes, such as proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins, in both leaves and roots. The upregulation of genes P5CS and NHX1, responsible for proline synthesis and membrane transportation, further confirmed the halophytes’ ability to tolerate high salinity. The findings of these studies indicated the potential for domesticating salt-tolerant halophytes in salt-affected soils.

Effect of potassic fertilization on yield of fodder sorghum-sudan grass hybrid and selection of extractants for determination of plant potassium availability

Subhadip Paul, Mandira Barman, Debarup Das — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The current study was carried out to assess the effect of potassium (K) fertilization on K-uptake and yield of fodder sorghum-sudan grass hybrid and to choose extractant(s), delineating the K-availability for routine soil testing method. Hybrid sorghum-Sudan grasses were grown in three different soils (red, alluvial, and black) with 100, 50, and 0% recommended K-doses for five seasons. Seven extractants, namely, cold H2SO4, Mehlich-1, 0.1 N CH3COONa, 1 N CH3COONH4 (pH 7), 0.1 N BaCl2, and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) with 5 and 15 minutes of contact times, were evaluated for elucidating forage K-availability. Results have revealed that biomass yields from all soils were higher (p < 0.05) in K-100% than in K-0%; whereas NaTPB (5 minutes) and ammonium acetate were found as better extractants for the determination of forage K-availability.

Growth and quality parameters of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars as influenced by different cutting management in irrigated subtropical conditions

Akhil Bharti, Vijay Khajuria, B.C. Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Aaina Sharma — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

An investigation was conducted at SKUAST, Jammu, during Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 to assess the effect of different cutting managements on the growth and quality of multicut oat cultivars. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 14 treatments and three replications. A severe drop in plant height and number of tillers/m2 was observed in double cut management system at maturity. Higher fresh and dry weight was recorded at the second cut than at the first cut, resulting in a higher forage yield. However, in the case of quality parameters, no significant difference among the treatments was recorded on the cuttings. Fodder oats harvested at 60 days after sowing (DAS) recorded higher crude protein and lower acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose when compared to those harvested at 105 DAS. Thus, on the basis of two years of experimentation, it was concluded that a single cut provides superior quality fodder. However, if an additional cut is taken at 105 DAS, there is a slight reduction in the quality of fodder, but higher fresh and dry weights of fodder are obtained. However, single-cut treatments recorded superior plant height, number of tillers, grain as well as straw weight. Among cultivars, JHO-2000-4 stood out in both the cutting managements in almost all the parameters.

Effect of different nutrient management practices on productivity, profitability and nutrient dynamics in forage-based cropping systems under mid-hill conditions of north-western Himalayas

Priyanka Kumari, Naveen Kumar — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSKHPKV, Palampur, from Kharif 2018 to Rabi 2019-20 to study the effect of different nutrient management practices in forage-based cropping systems. Ten nutrient management practices in two cropping systems were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Integrated nutrient management, i.e., 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50% recommended N+ 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK behaving alike resulted in higher oat green fodder equivalent yield, nutrient uptake (N, P and K) and system productivity of sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. An increase in soil organic carbon content was observed with integrated nutrient management (50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + Jeevamrit) and organic nutrient management (10 t/ha FYM + Jeevamrit) over the initial status at the end of sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. Integrated nutrient management improved available soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents over the initial values. Significantly higher available soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents were recorded with integrated nutrient management as well as with recommended NPK through inorganic sources over other treatments comprised of organic and natural farming systems of nutrition in both the cropping systems. Recommended NPK proved most profitable with the highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio in sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. Sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson cropping system comprised of all fodder crops resulted in higher productivity and profitability but did not increase soil available nutrient status as compared to sorghum + pearl millet - wheat cropping system comprised of fodder as well as grain crops.

Performance of bajra napier hybrid under varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 nutrition in humid tropics

M. V. Navya, Usha C. Thomas, R. K. Agrawal, Nagendra Singh — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to assess the influence of varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 application on the performance of bajra napier hybrid during the period October 2020-September 2021. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with nine treatments and a control replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of magnesium [m1: 80 kg ha-1, m2: 100 kg ha-1 and m3: 120 kg ha-1] and three frequencies of application [f1: Split application once in 6 months, f2: Split application once in 4 months and f3: Split application once in 3 months] and a control treatment. Considering the performance of bajra napier hybrid, varying levels and frequencies of MgSO4 application had a significant influence on the growth, yield, biochemical and quality attributes as well as the soil nutrient status after the conduct of the experiment and economics of cultivation. Interaction effect of the treatment combinations revealed higher tiller count (27.07), leaf: stem ratio (1.99), green fodder yield (GFY) (1891.30 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (DFY) (473.00 q ha-1), crude protein content (10.06 %) and benefit-cost ratio (2.11) with split application of 100 kg ha-1 MgSO4 once in 6 months.

Enhancing productivity, profitability and land use efficiency of fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) by intercropping

Mohd. Arif, Arvind Kumar, R. Pourouchottamane, D. L. Gupta, B. Rai — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2020-21 at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, to study the effect of different intercropping row ratios on yield, intercropping indices and economics of fodder oats and berseem. The experiment consists of nine treatments viz., sole oats, sole berseem, oats + berseem (1:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (2:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (1:2 row ratio), oats + berseem (2:2 row ratio), oats + berseem (3:1 row ratio), oats + berseem (1:3 row ratio), oats + berseem (3:3 row ratio). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results of the study revealed that maximum values of total green fodder yield (66.70 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (1.32), monetary advantage index (12411), total phosphorus uptake (22.04 kg ha-1), net return (Rs 51307 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.33) were recorded with 2:1 row ratio of oats + berseem intercropping combination. However, the maximum value of total nitrogen (178.33 kg ha-1) and potassium (208.84 kg ha-1) uptake was recorded by sole cropping of berseem, which was at par with 2:1 row ratio of oats + berseem intercropping combination. It was concluded that two rows oats + one row of berseem (2:1) intercropping combination performed best in terms of yield, land use efficiency and profitability of fodder oats and berseem.

Effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on growth, yield and economics of top feeds

P. Mubeena, Usha C. Thomas, R. K. Agrawal, P. Shalini Pillai — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on the growth, yield and economics of different top feeds. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 18 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two cropping systems (C1-sole crop of top feeds, C2-intercrop of bajra napier hybrid), three top feeds [(F1-agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), F2-erythrina (Erythrina indica), F3-drumstick (Moringa oleifera)] and three planting geometry (G1-2 m x 1 m, G2- 2 m x 0.5 m, G3-paired system). The data over three years revealed that intercropping top feeds with bajra napier hybrid at a paired system (C2F1G3) recorded the highest mean number of branches in all three years. However, intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m (C2F1G2) recorded the highest mean leaf stem ratio (0.82). Pooled data over three years also revealed that intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m geometry recorded the highest total green fodder yield (30.16 t ha-1), total dry fodder yield (7.55 t ha-1), gross return (Rs 201200 ha-1), net returns (Rs 139000 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.25). Hence, among different tree grass combinations, growing agathi with bajra napier hybrid at 2 x 0.5 m geometry was found as most promising system for meeting the fodder requirements of Kerala.

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and nutritive characteristics in response to different cutting regimes in a temperate region

Nazim Hamid Mir, Suheel Ahmad, Sheeraz Saleem Bhat — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was carried out at the Research Farm of Regional Research Station, ICAR-IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, to evaluate three harvesting stages and three cutting intervals for achieving higher fodder yield and quality in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L). Among the harvesting stages, H3 (harvesting at the flowering stage) recorded the highest green (27.04 t/ha) and dry
(8.05 t/ha) fodder yield. Among the cutting intervals, CI 3 (cutting at 60-day intervals) recorded higher fresh and dry biomass yield. Fodder yield increased with harvesting at later stages and increased cutting intervals. The highest crude protein content (11.87%), lowest NDF (55.87%) and ADF (31.65%) contents were recorded when grass was harvested at the vegetative stage. Digestible dry matter (DDM) varied significantly with both harvesting stage and cutting interval and was found to be highest with H1 (64.23%) and CI 1 (63.54%). The highest relative feed value (RFV) of 106.92% and highest total digestible nutrients (TDN) of 65.68% were found in the orchard grass cut at the vegetative stage (H1), which was at par with orchard grass harvested first at the booting stage (H2). Harvesting at both vegetative and booting stages resulted in good quality (RFV >103%) and energy-rich (TDN> 65%) forage. Harvesting at the flowering stage resulted in fair quality (RFV 96.67% and TDN 63.65%) fodder.

Proximate principles and total phenolic content of Melia dubia Cav. leaf varies across altitudinal gradients in South Gujarat

S. S. Malek, N. S. Thakur, V. R. Patel, R. P. Gunaga, Y. A. Garde — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Five Melia dubia populations were identified through altitudinal gradient (12, 64, 253, 341 and 381 m msl) and four individuals from each population were selected following the selective sampling method through the subjective judgment of the observer. Leaf samples were collected in the winter season of 2020-21 from all the locations. Substantial variations (p <0.05) were recorded in proximate principles and the total phenolic contents in M. dubia leaf fodder along an altitudinal gradient. Crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fibre (CF) content were significantly maximum at the highest altitude site (Dinbari; 381 m msl) with values of 10.14, 3.23 and 16.81%, respectively. The maximum ash content (15.68%) was recorded in leaf samples collected from Nanapondha (64 m). Conversely, the highest OM (87.53%) was recorded from Mahal (253 m). Acid in soluble ash was recorded maximum (1.27%) in Mulchond, located at 341 m altitude. Leaf nitrogen-free extract was highest (29.83%) at the lowest altitude (12.00 m), i.e., Navsari population and lowest (57.28%) at the highest altitude of Dinbari (381.00 m). Total phenolic content was maximum [102.28 GAE mg/g (10.22%)] in M. dubia leaf samples of the Navsari population, representing the lowest altitude. The study revealed that most of the proximate principles were higher for populations located at higher altitudes. The hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that among all the five populations, the Dinbari population was found to be more diverse in terms of proximate principles of leaf fodder than others that might be used for further selection and improvement.

Quality and production potential of green fodder and silage for kharif maize hybrid under rainy season in Punjab

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field study was carried out at Ladhowal Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, with the objective of finding out the best planting density and sowing date for kharif maize hybrid to maximize green fodder yield and quality silage production. The treatments consisted of two plant densities, i.e., normal density (ND; 60×20 cm) and high density (HD; 60×10 cm), with four dates of sowings in RBD factorial design with three replications. The hybrid PMH 1 sown in mid-July was comparatively superior to other sowing dates at both plant densities. However, yield ND had an edge over HD. Higher biological yield (611.1 q/ha) (p <0.001) and dry matter yield (205.3 q/ha) were reported for ND plots sown in mid-July. The dry matter (DM) content of forage varied (p <0.05) from 32.1 to 35.0%. Crude protein (CP) was high in early sowing and declined to a low level with advanced dates of sowing, whereas ether extract (EE) followed exactly the reverse trend. The dry matter intake and digestible dry matter values were significantly (p <0.001) higher in mid-July sowing. Silages prepared exhibited good ensiling characteristics for all dates of sowing and plant densities. However, mid-July sowing exhibited the lowest values with respect to neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, with improved nutritive profile, better feeding values, higher in-vitro potential and good fermentation characteristics. Based on this study it was concluded that mid-July sown hybrid PMH 1 had high yield, feed value, NGP as well as NDF digestibility compared to other dates of sowing.

Floral diversity and nutritional value of forages in Pulikulam cattle breeding tract

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Documenting the floral diversity in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract (Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu) and the nutrient content of predominant forages were important for maintaining Pulikulam cattle under zero input grazing system of management. Hence, a study was carried out to document the forage biomass, botanical composition, and nutritional profile of the forages present in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract. The number of edible forage species other than shrubs and trees documented in the grazing tract at Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts was 10, 8 and 9, respectively. Pennisetum clandestinum recorded significantly (p <0.05) highest biomass (133.25, 148.25 and 115 g/m2) and botanical composition (31.32, 34.99, and 26.31%) in all the districts. Variability was observed in proximate principles, fiber fractions and mineral contents between forages. Zinc was not detectable in Aristida setacea and both zinc and copper were not in detectable levels in Echinochloa colona.

Effect of supplementation of berseem hay meal as replacer of mustard cake protein on nutrient intake, utilization and growth performance in Jalauni lambs

M. M. Das, Sultan Singh, K. K. Singh, P. Sharma, Khem Chand — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay meal (BHM) as a replacement for mustard cake (MSC) in the ration of growing Jalauni lambs was studied. About 15 Jalauni male lambs (23.25 ± 1.2 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups of five each in an experiment based on a randomized block design and were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments. The animals were fed control concentrate mixture (GI) or concentrate mixtures in which 60% N of mustard cake was replaced with BHM containing 0.75% NPN (GII) or 1.0% NPN (GIII) making them iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Gram straw (GS) was offered ad libitum to all the animals. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was comparable among the groups. Digestibility of nutrients, namely DM, organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were non-significantly different among the groups. However, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher in GI or GII than GIII. Rumen fermentation was not affected due to the incorporation of BHM as a replacer of mustard cake in the diet. N balance was also comparable. However, N retention as % of N absorbed was significantly (p <0.05) lower in GIII as compared to GI or GII. Nutrient content in terms of TDN or ME was similar among the experimental diets. However, DCP% was higher in GI or GII than GIII. Cost per kg live weight gain was significantly (p <0.05) lower in BHM-incorporated diets (GII or GIII) than in the control diet (GI). It was concluded that BHM can be incorporated into the diet of growing Jalauni lambs as a replacer of mustard cake for economical livestock production.

Knowledge and adoption gaps of Stylosanthes seed production practices followed by farmers of Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A study was carried out to know the knowledge and adoption levels of recommended practices of Stylosanthes crop by farmers. The study was conducted in 12 randomly selected villages of 3 blocks of Anantapur district by surveying 120 farmers using a structured interview schedule. The results revealed that knowledge levels were poor for the application of fertilizers (00%), seed treatment (7.5%), top dressing (25%) and row spacing (59.17%). Correspondingly, four practices that the respondents did not adopt were use of recommended seed rate, sowing without seed treatment, not following recommended spacing and fertilizer application at the time of sowing. Herd size and the irrigated area had a positive relationship with the knowledge level of respondents. Herd size, herd composition and cropping pattern showed positive and one variable risk orientation showed a negative and significant relationship with the level of adoption of Stylosanthes seed production practices. The study thus brings out the dire need to enhance the knowledge and adoption of critical practices for enhancing seed yield and quality of Styosanthes hamata.