Evaluation Studies on the Dry Matter Production and Quality of Annual and Perennial Grasses

Abstract

A field experiment for determining dry matter and quality of annual and perennial grasses was conducted during 2005 and 2006 at Cattle Research Station, Manasbal on a silty clay loam soil that was low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium, with neutral pH. The treatments consisted of one annual grass (Oat, Avena sativa L.) and four perennial grasses (orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L.; perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenneL.; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea L.; and hybrid Phalaris, Phalaris stenoptera L.). Dry matter yields of oat at first cutting on 15 April 2005 (8.05 Mg/ha) and 15 April 2006 (8.10 Mg/ha) were similar to hybrid Phalaris (7.23 and 7.74 Mg/ha during 2005 and 2006, respectively) but were significantly greater than other grasses, while dry matter yields of hybrid Phalaris at second cutting during 2005 (5.21 Mg/ha) and 2006 (5.27 Mg/ha) were significantly greater than oat and other grasses. The plant height of hybrid Phalaris at first cutting during both years was significantly greater than oat and other grasses, while at second cutting on 25 May 2005 and 2006 both hybrid Phalaris and oat were similar but significantly taller than other grasses. Crude protein content of hybrid Phalaris at two cuttings during both the years was significantly greater than oat and other perennial grasses, while crude fiber of the perennial grasses was significantly more than oat except at second cutting on 25 May 2005. In conclusion, hybrid Phalaris gave significantly greater plant height, more dry matter, and higher crude protein content, while tall fescue gave significantly more crude fiber during both years.

Forage yield of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) under different fertility levels on a karewa upland of Kashmir Himalaya

“…The average dry matter yield of both native and exotic grasses varies considerably from 2.5 t/ha in Agrostis spp. to 10.0 t/ha in Dactylis glomerata in Kashmir Himalaya (Dar et al, 2007) [19] . However, it was found that N @ 240-360 kg/ha fertilized cocksfoot could be harvested four times per vegetation season.…”

High Altitude Pasturelands of Kashmir Himalaya: Current Status, Issues and Future Strategies in a Changing Climatic Scenario

“…There are no satisfactory facilities available in the far off villages let alone high altitude pastures. [34]. The grasses, legumes and tree species best suited to the location need to be identified and incorporated.…”