Fodder yield, economics and quality of “Pratap Makka Chari-6” (Zea mays L.) under varying plant densities and fertility levels

Abstract

A field experiment entitled "Fodder Yield, Economics and Quality of Fodder maize "Pratap Makka Chari-6" (Zea mays L.) Under Varying Plant Densities and Fertility Levels" was conducted at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during kharif 2015 and 2016 with objective to evaluate production potential of fodder maize under varying plant densities and fertility levels.The treatment consisted combinations of four plant densities (1,33,333, 1,66,666, 2,22,222 and 3,33,333 plants ha -1 ) and four fertility levels (90 + 30, 110 + 40, 130 + 50 and 150 + 60 kg N + P2O5 ha -1 ).The plant density of 2,22,222 plants ha -1 recorded significantly higher green and dry fodder yield, net return and B C ratio over 1,66,666 and 1,33,333 plants ha -1 and proved economically profitable compared to rest of the densities.Increasing plant density from 1,33,333 to 3,33,333 plants ha -1 decreased crude protein content significantly, however, failed to influence other quality parameters significantly.N and P content decrease with increasing plant densities, However, K content was at par with increasing plant densities.N, P and K content decrease with increase in plant density.However, K content was at par with increasing plant densities.N, P and K uptake increased significantly with increasing plant density.The green fodder yield, net return and B C ratio recorded under application of 130 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha -1 were significantly higher over 110 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 and 90 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 ha -1 and proved economically beneficial.Application of 130 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha -1 also improve nutrient content their uptake and sustain quality of fodder maize.