T S Sukanya, C Rajesh, Anand G Manegar, B C Umashankar, C Chaithra, Rakesh D
Application of 80 kg N ha-1 produced the highest green fodder yield (15,731 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (3,969 kg ha-1), followed by 60 kg N ha-1, whereas the lowest yields were recorded with 40 kg N ha-1. Closer spacing (22.5 × 10 cm) significantly increased biomass production, producing 14,999 kg ha-1 green fodder and 3,601 kg ha-1 dry fodder compared with 30 × 10 cm spacing. Harvesting at earhead emergence resulted in the highest green fodder yield (16,263 kg ha-1), whereas harvesting at physiological maturity produced the highest dry fodder yield (3,602 kg ha-1). Crude protein concentration was higher at earhead emergence (8.17%), while crude fiber concentration increased at physiological maturity (32.29%). Planting geometry did not significantly influence the qualitative fodder parameters.
INTRODUCTION: The fodder crisis is widening due to changing socio-economic preferences and a decline in the area under fodder cultivation. Therefore, there is an immediate need to explore the potential of dual-purpose crops for both food and fodder production. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen levels, planting geometry, and harvesting stages on the productivity and quality of barnyard millet fodder.
METHODS: A field experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK), Bengaluru, during August-November in 2024 and 2025. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The 12 treatment combinations comprised three nitrogen levels (N1: 40 kg N ha-1, N2: 60 kg N ha-1, and N3: 80 kg N ha-1), two planting geometries (P1: 30 × 10 cm and P2: 22.5 × 10 cm), and two harvesting stages (H1: earhead emergence and H2: physiological maturity) .
RESULTS: Application of 80 kg N ha-1 produced the highest green fodder yield (15,731 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (3,969 kg ha-1), followed by 60 kg N ha-1, whereas the lowest yields were recorded with 40 kg N ha-1. Closer spacing (22.5 × 10 cm) significantly increased biomass production, producing 14,999 kg ha-1 green fodder and 3,601 kg ha-1 dry fodder compared with 30 × 10 cm spacing. Harvesting at earhead emergence resulted in the highest green fodder yield (16,263 kg ha-1), whereas harvesting at physiological maturity produced the highest dry fodder yield (3,602 kg ha-1). Crude protein concentration was higher at earhead emergence (8.17%), while crude fiber concentration increased at physiological maturity (32.29%). Planting geometry did not significantly influence the qualitative fodder parameters.
DISCUSSION: Increasing nitrogen application from 40 to 80 kg N ha-1 progressively improved fodder productivity, while closer planting enhanced biomass production. Early harvesting at earhead emergence favoured crude protein concentration and green fodder yield, whereas harvesting at physiological maturity increased dry matter production and crude fiber concentration. Overall, closer spacing (22.5 × 10 cm) combined with 80 kg N ha-1 is recommended for improving fodder productivity, while the choice of harvesting stage can be adjusted according to the desired balance between yield and fodder quality.