Impacts of soil fertility management on productivity and economics of rice and fodder intercropping systems under rainfed conditions in Odisha,India

Under small and marginal farm conditions,allocation of land exclusively for forages is not possible.Hence,integration of forages in existing crop geometry can ensure production of grain and fodder,simultaneously under rainfed conditions.Afield experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on rice and fodder intercropping systems under rainfed conditions during 2015-2017.The intercropping system comprised(i)sole rice(R),(ii)rice and cowpea(5:2)(CP)and(iii)rice and ricebean(5:2)(RB)whereas the different nutrient management practices comprised(i)application of farm yard manure(FYM)at 5t ha^(-1)(farmers'practice)(N_(1)),(ii)application of inorganic fertilizer(recommended dose of fertilizer(RDF)of rice,60:30:30 kg ha^(-1) of N:P_(2)O_(5):K_(2)O)(N_(2))and(iii)application of both FYM at 5t ha^(-1) and 50%of RDF inorganic fertilizer(N3).The results of the experiment revealed that the growth attribute such as leaf area was influenced significantly when fodder crops were taken as intercrops because rice plant was getting more nitrogen from soil due to nitrogen fixation of leguminous fodder crops.Among the nutrient management practices,significant differences in leaf area were found beween N2 and and between N_(3)and N_(1)treatments.However,regarding total number of effective tillers,significant differences were found neither between nutrient management practices nor between cropping systems.The rice equivalent yield(REY)based on price(REY_(P))was found to be significantly lower in CP(2615 kg ha^(-1);-6.4%)and RB intercropping systems(2571 kg ha^(-1);-8.0%)than in R monocropping system(2794 kg ha^(-1)).However,the REY based on energy(REY_(E))of CP(2999 kg ha^(-1);+7.3%)and RB(2960 kg ha^(-1);+5.9%)were found to be significantly higher than that of R(2794 kg ha^(-1))irrespective of nutrient management practices.Between different nutrient management practices,the N3 treatment recorded the highest REY_(P)and REY_(E)which was at par with the N_(2)treatment and significantly higher than the N1 treatment irrespective of cropping systems.The combined application of both organic and inorganic sources of nutrients helped to supply nutrients throughout the growing season,which led to improved growth parameters and rice yield.The R monocropping system resulted in more income and rain water use efficiency(RWUE)closely followed by rice and fodder intercropping systems.However,the REYe and energy use efficiency(EUE)of rice and fodder intercropping systems were higher than those of R.Also,fodder helped to meet the requirement of cattle feeding in the off-season.Hence,the intercropping system is advocated in the study zone.Further study can be done on ecosystem services and carbon sequestration potential of the intercropping system,as well as the system's coping ability in response to short drought through observing periodic soil moisture regime in root zone.

Bio-Fortification of Oats Fodder through Zinc Enrichment to Reduce Animal Malnutrition

The availability of poor quality fodders for livestock feeding is a major hurdle for the dairy industry in South Asia. Thelow content of Zn in fodders, leads to its malnutrition in animals. In fodders, Zn facilitates protein synthesis, gene expressions,energy production and involves in various metabolic activities of plants, animals and humans. To achieve these objectives,multi-location field trials were conducted on enrichment of oats fodder with Zn through bio-fortification. The experiment consists ofeight different treatment combinations for enrichment of oats fodder with Zn including control, soil and soil plus foliar application ofZn at different stages of plant growth. The results of the study reported that soil application of Zn at the rate of 25 kg/ha and soil +foliar application of Zn at 0.5% at 60 days after sowing (DAS) (jointing stage), 90 DAS (booting stage) and both 60 DAS and 90DAS showed improvement in plant growth parameters. The results further reported that foliar application of Zn at the rate of 0.5% at60 DAS, 90 DAS, both 60 DAS and 90 DAS reported significant increase in biomass yield and fodder quality. Integrated applicationof Zn at 25 kg/ha in soil along with foliar Zn at the rate of 0.5% at 60 DAS and 90 DAS showed maximum Zn enrichment, greenfodder yield, dry fodder yield, plant height, and Zn accumulation in oats fodder as compared to other treatments of Zn application.These treatments of Zn application through integrated mode also reported significant improvement in fodder quality with maximumcrude protein (CP) and crude protein yield (CPY) while neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash content andorganic matter showed a non-significant effect. Thus, the results of experimental study concluded that soil and foliar application ofZn at 25 kg/ha and 0.5% Zn, respectively, at 60 DAS and 90 DAS enhanced the growth, yield and quality of oats fodder which willcertainly improve livestock production through bio-fortification.

Fodder Value of Populus euramericana Green Biomass

The study of green mass nutritional value of the black poplars euramerican hybrids--Populus euramericana （Dode） Guinier was conducted. The content of fodder units, digestible and crude protein, crude fat, fiber, ash, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, carotene and others was studied. The study showed that the leaves had greater nutritional value than stems and branches. The fresh leaves collected from the annual shoots of trees were more nutritious than annual coppice shoots of reproductive plantations but after drying the nutritional value of the materials became similar. Indicators of stems nutritional value were similar to those of wheat straw and those of leaves that were close to the nutritional value of alfalfa. Nutritional value of leafy shoots was intermediate between that of stems and leaves. Young coppice plant material is much easier to harvest than that of mature trees. Minirotation cultivation of poplars allows obtaining significant reserves of both wood and leafing biomass in a short period of time per unit area. The ＂old clones＂ of euramerican hybrids of black poplars are more winter resistant than some southern poplars of Italian breeding. This allows cultivating them not only in places of habitual areas of poplars, but also in more Northern regions.

Effects of Different Factors on Biological Yield of Fodder Soybean(Glycine max(L.) Merr.) in Autumn Idle Land

Objective] The alm was to study the high-yield cuItivation technique of fodder soybean（Glycine max （L.） Merr.） in autumn idIe Iand. [Methods] Such five in-fIuencing factors as Iine spacing, pIanting density, nitrogen （N）, phosphorus （P） and potassium （K） of fodder soybean seeding in autumn idIe Iand were compared using orthogonal experiment method and LSD method of PASW 18 statistics software. [Results] The resuIts showed that density, Iine spacing and K2O had important ef-fects on bioIogical yield of fodder soybean in autumn idIe Iand. Moreover, the opti-mum proposal for high-yield matching cuItivation technique of fodder soybean in au-tumn idIe Iand was determined as foI ows： pIanting density was 75 ＆#215;104 pIants/hm2;300 kg/hm2 N, 112.5 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 375 kg/hm2 K2O were viewed as basic fertiIiz-ers; the seedIing styIe was sowing in driI with the Iine spacing of 50 cm. In the proposal, fresh and hay grass yields were 6 661.67 and 2 723.64 kg/hm2, respec-tiveIy, which increased by 24.17% and 27.63% respectiveIy compared to the second fine combination. [Conclusions] The resuIts provided a theoretical basis and technical support for the production of fodder soybean in autumn idIe Iand.

In vitro Ruminal Gas Production Kinetics of Four Fodder Trees Ensiled With or Without Molasses and Urea

This study investigated if the addition of urea （U）, molasses （M） or their 1：1 （v/v） mixture during ensiling increases the nutritional value of forage from four fodder trees （Prunus persica, Leucaena esculenta, Acacia farnesiana, and Prunus domestica）. Forage samples of fodder trees were collected in triplicate （three individual samples of each species） and subjected to an in vitro gas production （GP） procedure. Fermentation at 24 h （GP 24）, short-chain volatile fatty acids （SCFA）, and microbial crude protein production （MCP）, in vitro organic matter digestibility （OMD）, metabolizable energy （ME） and dry matter degradability （DMD） were estimated. Forage samples were incubated for 72 h in an incubator at 39oC and the volume of GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation using the reading pressure technique. The rumen fermentation profiles were highest for P. persica, which showed the highest （P〈0.0001） DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GP 24 and MCP. On the other hand L. esculenta had the lowest （P〈0.0001） DMD, SCFA, MCP; P. domestica had the lowest （P〈0.0001） OMD. The addition of M to silage increased （P〈0.0001） ME and OMD, as well as GP. However, the addition of U and the mixture of U and M reduced （P〈0.0001） DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GY 24 and MCP. These results show that P. persica has the highest nutritive value and L. esculenta the lowest for ruminants. Additionally, the addition of M to forage from fodder trees increases rumen GP and fermentation, which may improve nutrient utilization in ruminants.

Ethnobotanical study of forage/fodder plant species in and around the semi-arid Awash National Park, Ethiopia

We undertook ethnobotanical study of forage/fodder plant species used by the Afar and Oromo （Kereyu and lttu） Nations in and around the semi=arid Awash National Park （ANP）, Ethiopia. The study aimed at investigating and documenting indigenous knowledge （IK） on forage/fodder plant species and threats to their survival. Ninety-six in= formants between 20 and 80 years old were selected using prior informa- tion. Data were collected using semi-structured interview, guided field wail discussion and field observation. Preference ranking, Jaccard＇s coefficient of similarity and priority ranking were used for data analysis. One hundred twenty-six forage/fodder species of 90 genera and 43 fami- lies were collected in the study area. More than 88% of the species were reported with their vernacular names, where 68% were reported by the Afar Nation and 70% by the Oromo Nation. Family Poaceae was repre- sented by 25 species （20%）, followed by Fabaceae 18 （14%）. Preference ranking for the most preferred forage grasses as perceived by key informants revealed that Chrysopogon plumulosus was the most important forage/fodder species. Overgrazing was the major threat in the study area, scoring 22%.

Effects of Different Planting Pattern of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) and Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>(L.) Merrill) Intercropping in Resource Consumption on Fodder Yield, and Silage Quality

An experiment was carried out at the field units of the north campus experimental areas in Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China. The experiment was conducted on summer season (June to September) to determine the effects of different planting patterns of maize and soybean intercropping in resource consumption on fodder yield and silage quality. The main treatments were one sole crop of maize (SM) and four maize-soybean intercropping patterns (1 row maize to 1 row soybean (1M1S), 1 row maize to 2 rows soybean (1M2S), 1 rows maize to 3 rows soybean (1M3S) and 2 rows maize to 1 row soybean (2M1S), respectively. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications, and plot size of 12 m by 5 m. The crops were harvested when the maize reached at milk stage and soybean at R7 stage. The result indicated significant increase in fresh biomass and dry matter production of maize fodder alone as compared to maize intercropped with soybean fodder. It was correlated with a higher consumption of environmental resources, such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and soil moisture by intercropping. After 45 days of ensiling period, silage samples were analyzed for pH, organic acids (Lactic, acetic, and butyric), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K). It was concluded that in all intercropped silages, crude protein (CP) values were higher (1M1S, 12.1%;1M2S, 12.2%;1M3S, 12.4%;2M1S, 12.1%) than the monocrop maize (SM, 8.7%) silage. Higher organic acids (p < 0.05) were produced in the 1M3S silages as compared to others silages. The study indicated that among all intercropped silages, the 1M3S (1 row maize to 3 rows soybean) was preferable according to nutrient composition than other intercropped silages.

Nutrient value of wild fodder species and the implications for improving the diet of mithun (Bos frontalis) in Dulongjiang area, Yunnan Province, China

Wild fodder plants are valuable because they provide an important livestock feed resource globally,especially for smallholder farmers,and have important roles in natural resource management.In-depth knowledge of wild forage plants can motivate local people for feed resource and habitat conservation of threatened herbivores such as Mithun(Bos frontalis).Mithun occur in small patches in the mountains of Dulongjiang,nearby villagers domesticated this animal but left animal to freely graze in the mountains.Many fodder plants occur in these mountains,however,little is known about their nutritional value.We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to document important wild fodder plants consumed by mithun in the Dulongjiang Township.The nutritional content of 21 highly mentioned wild fodder plants in an ethnobotanical survey was examined.Laboratory analysis showed that Fagopyrum dibotrys were the fodder species with the highest crude protein(CP)content(26.89%),followed by Polygonum molle(21.88%)and Hydrangea longipes(21.12%).Synthesis of relative feed value index and grey relational grade,P.molle,H.longipes and Tetrastigma obtectum were ranked the top three nutritional fodders.There was a significant difference between 21 species on their in vitro digestibility and the most highly digestible fodder species was Elatostema hookerianum.Linear model analysis on relationship between frequency of citation of 21 wild forage plants by local farmers and their nutrient composition showed that the frequency was significantly positively correlated with the nutritional value of the feed(R2?0.28,P<0.05).We concluded that these species have high nutritional values to improve mithun production in integrated crop-livestock systems.Fodder species or mixtures of species with useful nutritional characters could be cultivated to improve livestock productivity,habitat conservation including that of mithun and wild forage resource management.

Effects and Mechanisms of P and K Nutrients on Yield and Protein Content of Fodder Rice

Effects and mechanisms of P and K nutrients on yield and protein content of Weiyou 56, a fodder hybrid rice combination,were studied through pot experiment and biochemical analysis. The results showed that the increase of P and K nutrients enhanced the activities of PEP carboxylase (PEPC), glutamine synthase (GS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in leaves, sucrose synthase (SS), ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGP) and GS in grains, and the chlorophyll content in leaves, soluble sugar and starch content in grains, protein N and total N content in leaves and grains. Howerer, they decreased soluble sugar content in leaves and led to an increase of protein content in brown rice, biomass, grain yield and harvest index. Excessive P nutrients slightly reduced SPS and ADPG activity in leaves and grains respectively.

Feeding Effect of Triticale Fodder as Replacement of Straw on Production Performance of Dairy Cows

Twenty lactating cows of two to five parity having an average live weight of 290.00 to 330.00 kg and an average milk production of 4.54 kg/head/day to 4.66 kg/head/day were selected from the Central Cattle breeding Station and Dairy Farm. The four dietary treatment were： SlooTo （Straw 100： Triticale 0 as control）; $5oT5o （Straw 50： Triticale 50）; $25T75 （Straw 25： Triticale 75） and SoTloo （Straw 0： Triticale 100）. It was observed that the roughage dry matter intake （DMI） （2.61 ~ 0.07 kg） in percent live weight was significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in $25T75 and the lowest （1.76 ~ 0.018 kg） in the control group （SlooTo） and the differences were significant among the dietary treatments except $5oT5o and SoTloo. The total DMI was significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in SoT^oo （13.36 i 0.13 kg） followed by $25T75, $5oT5o and SlooTo, respectively. The digestibility of crude protein （CP） was slightly higher in $25T75 （75.48 ~ 0.96） compared to SoTtoo （75.31 ~ 1.45） and the difference was non-significant （P 〉 0.05）. Milk production was significantly （P 〈 0.05） the highest in $5oT5o and the lowest in SlooTo followed by SoTloo, $25T75, respectively. The percent increased in milk yield was also the highest in $5oT5o （67.68%） and the lowest in SlooTo （28.85%）. The 4% fat corrected milk was also significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in $5oT5o followed by SoTloo, $25T75 and SlooTo, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that triticale and straw at a ratio of 50：50 may be fed for better production performance of dairy cows.

Screening of High Temperature Resistant Fodder Yeast Strains

[ Objective] This study aimed to screen yeast strains suitable for high temperature processing of formulated biological feed. [ Method ] High temperature resistance and culture conditions of six yeast strains were investigated. [Result] Two yeast strains resistant to high temperature （45 ℃ ） with high viable cell number （10^8 cells/ml） were screened, including DQFC2117-1 and DQFC2122-2. [ Conclusion] Strains DQFC2117-1 and DQFC2122-2 could be used as high temperature resistant yeast strains for processing of formulated biological feed.

Assessment of fodder quality of leaves of multipurpose trees in subtropical humid climate of India

The leaves of 12 species （Acacia auriculiformis, Albizzia procera, Dalbergia sissoo, Gliricidia maculata, Leucaena leuco- cephala, Samanea saman, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus hybrida, Gmelina arborea, Michelia champaca, Morus alba, and Tectona grandis） of Multipurpose trees and shrubs （MPTs） grown in the agroforestry arboretum were evaluated for their nutritional characteristics in terms of proximate composition, cell wall constituents, total tannins, major （Ca and P） and trace minerals （Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co）, in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility （IVDMD and IVOMD） and metabolisable energy （ME） values. There were significant （P〈0.01） variations among MPTs for all parameters studied. The average values of （92.02±0.30）%, （16.00±0.74）%, （3.05±0.13）%, （18.97±1.07）%, （54.00±1.12）% and （7.98 ± 0.30）% （DM basis） were observed for OM （organic matter）, CP （crude protein）, EE （ether extract）, CF （crude fibre）, NFE （nitrogen-free extract） and total ash, respectively. Leguminous trees had high CP compared to nonleguminous ones （18.30% vs 13.70%）. The mean values for cell wall constituents viz., NDF （neutral detergent fibre）, ADF （acid detergent fibre）, hemi cellulose, cellulose and ADL （acid detergent lignin） were found to be （52.48±1.05）%, （31.72±0.97）%, （20.76±0.88）%, （16.97±0.70）% and （9.57±0.62）%, respectively. The total tannin contents averaged （4.22±0.32）%. The ratio of Ca to P was quite wider. The levels of Fe and Mn were adequate to rich in all the MPTs while many of the tree species possessed P, Cu, Zn and Co level below the critical limits for the animals. The average IVDMD and IVOMD values were found to be （48.96±1.30）% and （50.69±1.36）%, respectively. The ME value averaged （6.95i-0.11） MJ·kg-1 DM. The CP content had significant positive correlation with IVDMD, IVOMD and ME val- ues while NDF, ADF, ADL and total tannins showed negative correlations with these three parameters. Based on the results, Leucaena Leucocephala could be considered as good quality fodder as it had the highest level of IVDMD/IVOMD （65.20%/67.66%） and ME （7.95 MJ·kg-1 DM） while G. maculata, M. alba, A. indica, D. sissoo and S. saman were of medium type and rest of poor quality.

A Survey of Fodder Plants in Mid-altitude Himalayan Rangelands of Uttarakhand,India

Himalayan rangelands, the crucial but by and large the neglected ecosystems, are an integral part of mountain farming systems. The present investigation is based on the extensive survey and collection of mid-altitude range plants from Almora and Champawat districts of Kumaun division in the Uttarakhand Himalaya in India, from September 2003 to June 2007. The rangelands studied were oak types, chirpine types, grass types and mixed ones. Some 300 species of grasses, other herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs were found in the mid-altitude rangelands. A sizeable number of species belonged to the family of Poaceae. The grass-dominated rangelands especially harboured a variety of grass species of good fodder value. The diversity of fodder plants is a proportion of the enormous biodiversity occurring in the parts of the Himalaya. A panorama of the biodiversity emerged in this study, which is of both intangible value and direct value for the livestock- and rangeland- dependent mountain communities, suggests a very high scope of the utilization of this natural and uncultivated biodiversity for supporting livestock- based livelihoods of the region. This biodiversity also has enormous bearing on the cultivated area of the region.

Response of Fodder Maize to Various Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) are of the most important and complex nutrients for the crop plants in particular for grain yield and quality. The field trials were laid out in randomized complete block design having three replications. Research trial plots were located at Agricultural Research Farm of Agricultural University Peshawar (Ameer Mohammad Khan Campus Mardan) during kharif season in 2012 to investigate the response of maize variety (Jalal) to three phosphorus rates (60, 90 and 120 kg&middotha-1) and four nitrogen rates (90, 120, 150, 180 kg&middotha-1) for agronomical traits. These traits investigated included number of plant per m2 (NP m2), plant height (PH), number of leaves plant-1 (NLP), leaf area plant-1&middotcm2 (LAP), fresh weight of plants kg&middotha-1 (FW) and dry weight of plant kg&middotha-1 (DW), were investigated. Results of the study showed that application of N @ 180 and P @ 120 kg&middotha-1 significantly increased fodder yield of maize. The linear increase in biomass yield clearly indicated that N was a limiting nutrient factor and that N demand along with P has a positive response. At higher application rates, N fertilizer significantly increased biomass component, improved N uptake with increasing nitrogen use efficiency and decreased its losses to the environment and below plant zone. So this study showed that the phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers have a positive effect on the fodder yield of maize.

Growth Characteristics, Biomass and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Variation of Garhwal Himalaya’s Fodder and Fuel Wood Tree Species at the Nursery Stage

Fodder and fuel wood deficiency in the Himalayan region is well recognized. Rural inhabitants are exploiting these forest resources for their livelihood for generations which leads to severe deforestation. The aim of this study was to identify the fast growing fodder and fuel wood tree species of Garhwal Himalayas at nursery stage with wider relevance and great potential for extensive afforestation programmes. Seed of Bauhinia purpurea L., Bauhinia retusa Roxb., Bauhinia variegate L., Celtis australis L., Ficus nemoralis Wall., Ficus roxburghii Wall., Grewia optiva Drummond, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Melia azedarach L., Ougeinia oojeinensis (Roxb.) Hochr., Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus, Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth. and Toona ciliate M. Roem. were collected from the superior trees and seedlings were raised. After one year and one month of establishment at the nursery, the growth characteristics, biomass and chlorophyll fluorescence (dark-adopted Fv/Fm) of each species were also recorded. G. optiva had shown the highest growth in terms of height, basal diameter increment and number of branches, while production of leaves was more on O. oojeinensis. Biomass and chlorophyll fluorescence (maximum quantum yield or photochemical efficiency of PSII) was found highest in Q. leucotrichophora which indicates photosynthetically this species was most active among the studied fodder and fuel wood tree species. The information in this communication could be utilized for developing various conservation and sustainable strategies in the Garhwal Himalayas to mitigate

Study on the Influence of Sowing Rate,Water and Fertilizer Coupling on Water Use Efficiency of Fodder Millet

To study the influence of sowing rate,water and fertilizer( N,P and K) coupling on water use efficiency of fodder millet grown in autumn fallow field,taking " Jigu 18" as the tested material,a orthogonal rotation combination with five factors was designed in pot experiment. Results showed that both water and phosphate fertilizer had important impacts on water use efficiency,in which water had the maximum impact,followed by phosphate fertilizer,and nitrogen fertilizer,potassium fertilizer and sowing rate all had no obvious impact. Significant item of sowing rate,water and fertilizer coupling had the below sequence: potassium fertilizer + sowing rate > nitrogen fertilizer + phosphate fertilizer > water + phosphate fertilizer > water + sowing rate > water + potassium fertilizer,and other items had no obvious impact. Mathematical model was established: y = 44. 26- 1. 311x1- 2. 298x2- 3. 682x3- 6. 401x4- 34. 540x5+ 0. 273x1x3+ 0. 118x1x4+ 0. 843x1x5- 1. 948x2x3+ 6. 631x4x5. The optimal scheme taking economic benefit as the examining index was cleared,that is,soil water content maintained 10%,and sowing rate of fodder millet was 15 kg / hm2. By the scheme,water use efficiency was 26. 24 g / kg,and hay yield was13980. 90 kg / hm2,with economic benefit of 13830. 90 yuan/hm2,which was 3063. 73 yuan/hm2 more than the optimized combination with the highest hay yield,with increase magnitude of 22. 15%,and was 6215. 15 yuan / hm2 more than the optimized combination with the highest water use efficiency,with increase magnitude of 44. 94%. The research could provide theoretic basis and technical support for production practice of fodder millet grown in autumn fallow field.

Evaluation of Potential Fodder Sorghum Genotypes for Prussic Acid,Lignin and Cellulose Content

Sorghum is a potential fodder crop for an alternative source of livestock feed in Kenya.A study was done to determine the levels of prussic acid,lignin and cellulose content in potential fodder sorghum varieties at Egerton University Field Station in Kenya.Twenty-five sorghum genotypes were grown in a randomized complete block design(RCBD)and replicated three times.The genotypes were sampled at 3-leaf stage and analyzed for prussic acid,lignin and cellulose.The data were subjected to statistical analysis of variance and correlation using Statistical Analysis System(SAS)program version 9.1.Prussic acid levels were significantly different even at an early stage,with local varieties producing more.Lignin and cellulose had an inverse relationship with respect to concentration.Fodder sorghum genotypes varied significantly in prussic acid,lignin and cellulose,even at an early growth stage.

Assessing Stylo （Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano） for Fodder in Semi-arid Nigeria： 1. Effects of Sowing Methods on Growth and Herbage Yield

Field experiments were conducted at Dabagi Farm of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto （13~I＇N and 5~15＇ E）, in the Semi-arid of Nigeria, during 2007 and 2008 rainy seasons to determine the effect of sowing methods on growth and fodder yield of Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano. Three sowing methods （dibbling, broadcasting and drilling） were investigated. The experimental design adopted for the study was the randomized complete block design （RCBD） replicated three times. The parameters monitored included plant height （cm）, leaf length （cm）, leaf width （cm）, number of leaves, canopy spread （cm）, stand count and herbage yield. Samples were randomly taken and marked for the measurement of the parameters at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks after sowing （WAS）. Herbage yield （kg hal） was determined at the end of the 14th week. Result of the study revealed that the sowing methods had significant effect （P 〈 0.05） on growth parameters at 2 to 14 WAS in 2007, 2008 and in their combined analysis. Dry matter yield differed （P 〈 0.05） significantly. Dibbling method produced plants that were taller, longer, with wider canopy spread and leaves as well as more leaves and stands （P 〈 0.05）. The year 2007 produced taller plants, longer, wider canopy spread and leaves as well as more leaves and stands （P 〈 0.05） in all the weeks compared to the year 2008. It was therefore concluded from the results of this study that dibbling method of sowing was the best for Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano production at 50 ~ 50 cm inter and intra-row spacing in the semi-arid of Sokoto agro-ecology in northwestern Nigeria, presumably due to low competition for scarce moisture and creation of more space in this sowing method.

Effect of Different Sowing Methods on Growth and Fodder Yield of Switch Grass(Panicum virgatum L.)in Jega Semi-arid Zone of Kebbi State,Nigeria

A study was conducted during the 2016 rainy season at Jega Teaching and Research farm of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology to investigate the effect of sowing methods on the growth parameters,herbage and dry matter(DM)yield of Switch grass(Panicum vargatum)in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria.Treatment consisted of three sowing methods(broadcasting,dibbling and drilling)which were laid out in randomized complete block design(RCBD)replicated three times among three blocks.Each plot in each block was measuring,2 m×1 m.Seeds of Switch grass were sown manually at the rate of 5.6 kg/ha for all the treatments and NPK fertilizer was applied across the treatments at the rate of 100 kg/ha.The experiment lasted for 12 weeks during which the growth parameters and plant establishment counts were measured while fresh herbage and DM were determined after harvesting at the end of the period.The sowing methods had significant effect(p<0.05)on the growth parameters and herbage yield.The highest plant height(116.52 cm),leaf width(0.98 cm),leaf length(43.10 cm)and leaf number(9.37)was recorded for dibbling sowing method.Also,the highest fresh herbage(13.70 t/ha)and DM yield(2.33 t/ha)were recorded for dibbling sowing method.However,the mean establishment counts were not significantly(p>0.05)affected by the sowing methods.The results suggested that Switch grass can be successfully established in Sudan savanna zone by dibbling sowing methods for good growth performance,herbage and DM yield.

垄沟集雨覆盖种植对红豆草根系特征和产量的影响

【目的】为选择集雨垄的环境友好型覆盖材料,提高中国西北半干旱地区的降雨利用效率。【方法】通过随机区组大田试验,以传统平作为对照,研究3种材料(土壤结皮、生物可降解地膜和普通地膜)覆盖垄的垄沟集雨种植对土壤水热条件、红豆草根系特征、根瘤特征、干草产量和水分利用效率的影响。【结果】垄沟集雨种植显著改善土壤水热状况,增加红豆草根系和根瘤特征值。土壤结皮覆盖垄沟集雨种植显著提高红豆草水分利用效率,但降低红豆草干草产量;生物降解地膜和普通地膜覆盖垄沟集雨种植显著提高红豆草的干草产量和水分利用效率。与传统平作相比,土壤结皮、生物降解地膜和普通地膜覆盖垄沟集雨种植的土壤贮水量分别提高10.64、9.36和2.09 mm,垄上表层土壤温度分别增加2.0、3.4和4.2℃,红豆草根干重分别提高27%、72%和87%,有效根瘤数分别增加2.1、9.1和12.4个,水分利用效率分别提高11.9、23.3和30.0 kg/(hm^(2)·mm)。土壤结皮覆盖垄沟集雨种植的红豆草干草产量比传统平作降低13%,生物降解地膜和普通地膜覆盖垄沟集雨种植的红豆草干草产量比传统平作分别提高11%和23%。由于普通地膜残留极易导致土壤结构恶化和环境污染,不利于农业生产可持续性。【结论】在我国半干旱地区,生物可降解地膜覆盖垄沟集雨种植可作为一种高效、可持续的农业节水生产技术。