Role of nitrogen, phosphorus and bio-fertilizer in improving performance of fodder sorghum-A Review

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal fodder crop which fulfils over 2/3rd of the fodder demand during kharif season. It responds well to high doses of fertilizer due to its excellent growing habit, high potential, better nutritive value and quick regrowth. Fodder sorghum is a heavy feeder of nutrients and remove large amount of nutrients from the soil. Its yield and quality suffers heavily if proper amount of fertilizers is not applied. Nitrogen being an important constituent of chlorophyll and protein, imparts dark green colour, promotes vegetative growth, rapid early growth and improves the quality and biomass production by increasing the protein content and dry matter yield of fodder crops. Phosphorus gradually increase plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area per plant and fodder yield. Biofertilizers plays an important role in atmospheric nitrogen fixation and phosphorous solubilisation; these also help in stimulating the plant growth hormones, providing better nutrient uptake and increased tolerance towards drought and moisture stress. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this article to review works done on several aspects of nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizer management.