Effect of time of sowing and last cut on green fodder and seed production in Berseem ( Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at the Students’ Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during the Rabi season 2017-2018. The field was laid out in split plot design comprising five main plot treatments of time of sowings i.e. 10th September (D1), 20th September (D2), 30th September (D3), 10th October (D4), 20th October (D5) and three sub plot treatments of three last cutting dates viz., 25th March (C1), 5th April (C2) and 15th April (C3) replicated thrice. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture with normal pH and electrical conductivity. Soil rated medium in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium. Among different sowing time, maximum plant height, green and dry fodder yield significantly higher in 10th September whereas number of heads per shoot, number of seeds per head, seed yield and straw yield was significantly higher in 20th October. However in 20th October sowing days taken to flowering and maturity were significantly less. Time of last cut 15th April gave significantly higher plant height, green and dry fodder yield whereas 25th March produced significantly higher number of heads per shoot, number of seeds per head, seed yield and straw yield. Days taken to flowering and maturity from last cut was recorded significantly minimum in 15th April. Test weight, number of shoots and harvest index vary non-significantly throughout the treatments.