Effect of sowing dates, fertility levels and cutting managements on growth, yield and quality of oats (Avena sativa L.)

Abstract

A two year study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 at Research Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir to find out the influence of sowing dates, fertility levels and cutting management on growth, yield and quality of oats. The results revealed that September 30 sowing recorded significant improvement in green fodder yield over October 10 sowing. Crude protein content was highest in October 10 sown crop, whereas crude fibre was highest in September 20 sown crop. The fertility level of 150:70:40 (N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) significantly increased both green and dry fodder yield as well as crude protein content over 125:60:30 and 100:50:20 (N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), however crude fibre content significantly decreased with increase in fertility level. Double cut crop recorded 14.75 and 16.24% increase in green fodder yield and 3.70 and 1.36% in dry fodder yield over single cut crop during 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively. Moreover, double cut crop recorded higher crude protein content but lower crude fibre content.   Key words: Sowing dates, fertility levels, cutting management, green and dry fodder yield, crude protein, crude fibre, oats.