Performance of dual purpose pearl millet as influenced by different cutting management practices and nitrogen levels

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to study the performance of dual purpose pearl millet as influenced by different cutting management practices and nitrogen levels at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the kharif season of the year 2012-14. The highest green forage (370 q ha-1), dry matter (53.32 q ha-1) and crude protein (5.97 q ha-1) yields were recorded under variety GFB-1 over the other varieties BAIF Bajra and AVKB 19. Seed and stover yield were also recorded higher under the same variety. Treatment C3 (Two cuts for green fodder 1st at 50 DAS, 2nd 40 days after 1st cut & leave for grain production) was significantly superior in recording the highest green forage, dry matter and crude protein yields of 419, 58.34 and 6.39 q ha-1, respectively. Whereas treatment C1 (no cutting) was found significantly superior in recording the highest seed yield (1025 kg ha-1) and stover yield of 16669 kg ha-1. Application of 150 kg N ha-1 (N2) recorded significantly the highest green forage and dry matter yields.