Influence of Planting Geometry, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Levels on Green Forage Yield and Quality of Fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya (Karnataka) during Kharif-2015. The results revealed that the planting geometry of 30 cm × 10 cm recorded significantly higher green forage (178.94 q/ha), dry matter (25.55 q/ha), and crude protein yield (3.92 q/ha). Application of nitrogen 37.5 kg/ha numerically recorded higher green forage (170.82 q/ha), dry matter (24.51), crude protein (4.09 q/ha). Application of phosphorous 62.5 Kg/ha recorded significantly higher green forage (179.55 q/ ha), dry matter (25.24 q/ha), and crude protein yield (4.07 q/ha). The planting geometry of 30 cm × 10 cm recorded lower crude fibre content (21.98 %), total ash 9.49 %, acid detergent fibre (28.57 %), and Neutral detergent fibre content over wider spacing of 45 cm × 10 cm. Application of Nitrogen @ 37.5 kg/ha numerically recorded lower crude fiber (22.09 %), total ash (10.47 %), neutral detergent fibres (32.48 %), nitrogen-free extract (47.97 %) and total carbohydrates (70.05 %). The planting geometry of 30 cm × 10 cm, Nitrogen @ 37.5 kg/ha and phosphorous 62.5 Kg/ha recorded higher nitrogen net monetary returns (Rs.17, 754, Rs.16, 371 & Rs.17, 415 Rs./ha respectively) and B:C ratio (2.95, 2.77 and 2.83 respectively). The planting geometry of 30 cm × 10 cm recorded higher Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium uptake (62.76 Kg, 4.18 kg, and 23.70 kg/ha respectively). Nitrogen at 37.5 kg/ha recorded higher uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (65.50 Kg, 4.19 kg and 23.38 kg/ha respectively). The Phosphorous at 62.5 Kg/ha recorded higher Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium uptake (65.05 Kg, 4.44 kg, and 24.05 kg/ha respectively).