S. N. RAM*, M. M. DAS AND AKRAM AHMED
Grassland and Silvipasture Management Division,
ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi- 284003 (U.P.) India
*(e-mail : ramshivnath@yahoo.com)
(Received : 16 October 2021; Accepted : 15 December 2021)
SUMMARY
A field experiment was conducted during 2013 to 2018 on five years old Hardwickia binata based silvopasture system at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. The treatment consisted of establishment of three grasses in association with H. binata and construction of three moisture conservation practices. Establishment of C. fulvus in association with H. binata recorded significantly higher dry pasture yield (6.40 t/ha) as compared to P. maximum (6.02 t/ha) and it was found at par with C. ciliaris (6.02 t/ha). In moisture conservation practices, staggered trenches recorded significantly higher dry top feed (1.21 t/ha) and fire wood (1.40 t/ha) of H. binata as compared to control treatment-without staggered trenches and bund (0.83 and 0.89 t/ha) respectively. Chrysopogon fulvus also recorded maximum net return (Rs 35485/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (0.53) followed by Cenchrus ciliaris (Rs 33853/ha and 0.51) and Panicum maximum (Rs. 32107/ha and 0.49) utilized in grazing mode by goats and sheep at the rate of 2 ACU.
Key words:Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus, Hardwickia binata, moisture conservation practices, Panicum maximum, top feed and net returns