K. M. PATEL*, L. J. DESAI, P. K. PATEL AND V. K. PATEL
Centre for Research on Integrated Farming Systems
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India
*(e-mail : drkmpatelagronomist@sdau.edu.in)
(Received : 8 March 2024; Accepted : 28 March 2024)
SUMMARY
A field experiment was conducted at Centre for Research on Integrated Farming Systems, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during 2018-19 to 2021-22 with effect of nitrogen management in fodder oat – pearl millet cropping system under organic farming. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated quadruple in loamy sand soil. Twelve treatment combination comprising of three levels of nitrogen (50%, 75% and 100% RDN) and four levels of source of nitrogen (50% through FYM + 25% through vermi-compost + 25% through castor cake, 75% through FYM + 25% through vermi-compost, 75% through FYM + 25% through castor cake and 100 % through inorganic fertilizer). In the case of oat, application of 100% RDN led to significantly higher plant height, tiller count, crude protein yield and total green as well as dry fodder yield. Regarding different nitrogen sources, the use of 100% inorganic fertilizer resulted in significantly higher total green and dry fodder yields. The interaction effect of nitrogen levels and sources was non-significant for most parameters, except for crude protein yield and total dry fodder yield. In the case of pearl millet, increasing nitrogen levels similarly led to improved growth, yield, and quality attributes, with 100% RDN yielding the best results. Differences in nitrogen sources primarily impacted plant height, tiller count, and total green fodder yield.
Key words: Castor cake, crude protein, vermicompost, FYM, soil test value, green oat equivalent yield of system