Effect of nitrogen and cutting management on production potential and quality parameters of kanchru (Apluda aristata) fodder

Experiments were conducted during the kharif season for three years (2007–2009) to ascertain the effect of different treatment combinations having four N levels and two cutting management system on green and dry fodder yield as well as quality parameters of the Kanchru (Apluda aristata) fodder. N was applied at the rate of 0 (No), 40 (N1), 80 (N2) and 120 (N3) kg/ha, however, fodder was cut twice (at 45 and 90 days after sowing under C1 cutting management system) and thrice (at 45, 75 and 105 days after sowing under C2 cutting management system). The highest and lowest green fodder yield was recorded for N 3 and N0, respectively and green fodder yield for N1 and N2 varied in between these two. Green fodder yield increased by 14, 24 and 50 per cent on the application of N at 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha- over the 0 N level. The green fodder yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher under C2 than that for C 1 cutting management system, irrespective of the years and in pooled analysis too. Similar trend was recorded for dry fodder production, which was significantly (P<0.05) higher, irrespective of the years, on the application of N @ 120 kg/per ha over 0 N application. The interaction of N and cutting management also revealed significant (P<0.05) interaction for both green and dry fodder yield in individual year as well as in pooled analysis except in 2009, which was non significant. The difference in the net realization on N application with zero and 120 kg levels under both the cutting management system was Rs. 17,046 and Rs. 34, 840, respectively for C1 and C2. The in vitro gas production decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the third cut as compared to first cut under C2 system, however, the difference between first and second cut was not significant. The IVDMD of fodder in the third cut under C2 system was lower (P<0.05) than that in first cut. The variation in IVDMD between other cuts was not significant. It may be concluded that Kanchru (Apluda aristata) fodder should be cultivated with an application of 120 kg N and harvested at 45, 75 and 105 days after sowing to get maximum productivity. Kanchru fodder may be fed to the animals for sustaining their maintenance and low productive requirements.