Abstract:
A field experiment was carried out at the Instructional-Cum-Research farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat in the year of 2017-18 during rabi season. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and replicated thrice. The treatments consist of two different factors, viz., four dates of sowing 31st October (D1), 10th November (D2), 20th November (D3) and 30th November (D4) and three row spacing 60 cm x 20 cm (S1), 45 cm x 20 cm (S2) and 30 cm x 20 cm (S3). Experimental findings revealed that crops sown on 31st October recorded the higher green fodder yield by 12.52, 14.72 and 26.68 per cent, respectively and the higher dry fodder yield by 7.5, 15.84, 26.07 per cent, respectively over 10th November, 20th November and 30th November sowing. Similarly, fodder productivity was the highest on 31st October sowing by 12.52, 14.72 and 26.68 per cent, respectively over 10th November, 20th November and 30th November sowing. Green fodder and dry fodder yield were found to be the higher under spacing 45 cm x 20 cm, 363.34 q ha-1 and 57.2 qha-1, respectively among all the spacings. Green fodder yield obtained under 45 cm x 20 cm spacing increased by 16.85 and 13.11 per cent and dry fodder yield by 12.59 and 5.53 per cent as compared to 60 cm x 20 cm and 30 cm x 20 cm, respectively. Fodder productivity was found to be the higher by 16.84 and 13.11 per cent over the spacing 60 cm x 20 cm and 30 cm x 20 cm, respectively. The total N, P and K uptake was also higher under 45 cm x 20 cm spacing than rest of the spacing treatments. In terms of economics, higher gross return (Rs. 2,07,011.11 ha-1) and net return (Rs. 1,60,224.11 ha-1) with benefit: cost (3.42) and economic efficiency (1335.20 Rs ha-1day-1) were recorded by the 31st October sown crop than other dates of sowing. Among different spacing the highest gross return (Rs. 2,02,627.50 ha-1), net return (Rs. 1,52,486.10 ha-1), benefit: cost (3.04) and economic efficiency (1270.72 Rs. ha -1day-1) were recorded under the spacing 45cm x 20cm than other spacings. |
