Effect of nitrogen application and harvesting intervals on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.).

Abstract

A field experiment to evaluate the effect of 0, 60,120 and 180 kg N ha on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) harvested at 40, 50 and 60 days after sowing was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2004. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial) with three replications, using net plot size 1.80m X 7m. Forage and dry matter yield were increased by nitrogen application and increase was significant at each increased nitrogen rate. The increase in yield was mainly due to increase in plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area plant. The quality parameters like crude protein and ash contents were increased with nitrogen application but dry matter and crude fibre contents remained unaffected. The parameters like dry matter and crude fibre contents, plant height, forage yield, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area plant were consistently increased up to final harvest. Whereas, ash and crude protein contents were decreased with delaying the harvest. It can be concluded from the result that for obtaining higher yield of pearl millet it may be fertilized at the rate of 180 kg N ha and harvest it 60 days after sowing.