Nitrogen level impact on the production of double row fodder of maize

Maize is the most important crop in Mexico, being central to the diets of consumers, particularly smallholders, and an undetermined amount is allocated as straw, green fodder, and, to a lesser extent, as silage for animal feed. Nitrogen fertilizer is considered one of the most important factors affecting growth, grain yield, and maize biomass production. In this context, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on maize production. A randomized complete block experimental design consisted of three treatments of nitrogen (180, 160, and 80 kg/ha) with three replications and morphological (plant height, stem thickness, and rate of growth), yield, and yield components (cob weight, length, thickness, number of rows per cob, and plant biomass) variables were used. The results suggest that the increase in nitrogen levels increases all the parameters of maize production. However, at 160 kg/ha, the greatest production of fodder was recorded with 5.99 tons/ha, superior to the one reported at 180 kg/ha, which was 5.47 tons/ha. We conclude that the maize fodder production can be optimized with the use of 160 kg/ha in the conditions of the altiplano of San Luis Potosí (Mexico).

Cropping capacity of winter rye cultivated for fodder

Realization of the yield potential depends on the biological characteristics of the variety, cultivation technology and weather conditions. The article presents the results of studies carried out in 2018-2021. on the productivity of various varieties of winter rye in dryland conditions of the central zone of the Republic of Kalmykia. The fresh yield of winter rye harvested for fodder depended on the variety. Its highest index was obtained for the Saratovskaya 4 variety and amounted to 17.7 ... 26.9 t / ha. The analysis of the productivity of winter rye harvested for green fodder showed that the studied varieties provided the yield of dry matter at the level of 5.4 ... 7.1 t / ha on average for three years. All varieties have good winter hardiness. Keywords: WINTER RYE, VARIETY, NAKED FALLOW, PLANT HEIGHT, GREEN MASS, FRESH YIELD, CROP PRODUCTIVITY, DRY MATTER

Azolla as a Green Fodder Feed Supplent of Cross Breed Cows in District- Sehore (M.P.)

Background: Azolla is a floating fern also known as duck weed is belongs to the family Salviniaceae. Azolla is a good source of protein and contains almost all essential amino acids and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese etc. Methods: In the present dairy business, the cost of milk production is increasing due to market based feed management and lack of green fodder. In the context of which, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District- Sehore (M.P.) were conducted 20 no of trais in the field of farmers during 2014-15 and 2015-16. KVK, Sehore assessed the technology is Dry fodder 4 Kg/ Day/ Animal + Green Fodder @ 20 Kg/ Day/ Animal + 2 Kg Concentrate feed/Day/Animal for body maintenance alongwith additional 1 Kg Concentrate feed/Day/Animal in every 3 litre Milk yield + 50 gm mineral mixture/ Day/ Animal. Result: Under the assessed technology, farmers found 12.5 per cent milk enhancement in assessed technology 2 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) and 26.04 per cent higher milk yield in assessed technology 3 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) likewise 4.76 per cent enhance the fat per cent in assessed technology 2 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1) and 9.24 per cent enhance the fat per cent in assessed technology 3 as compared to farmers practice (Assessed technology-1).

Influence of Different Fertility Management Practices on Productivity and Economics of Forage Soybean

Background: Quality and higher fodder production is one of the important aspects to get higher productivity from live stock. India suffer a net deficiency of 35.6% green fodder, 10.95% dry crop residues and Jammu and Kashmir faces a net deficit of 19% in fodder. The choice to grow cultivated fodder crops during kharif season in Kashmir is limited and are grown generally under rainfed conditions. The major kharif season fodder cereal crops are maize and sorghum and the legume fodder crops are cowpea and soybean. To improve the quality and yield of fodder crops, it is important to standardise production technology for legume fodder crops. Methods: A field experiment was undertaken at Agronomy Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during kharif 2019 and 2020 to study the impact of different fertility management practices on productivity and economics of forage soybean. The experiment comprising of seven treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: Application of N, P2O5, K2O (30, 90, 45 kg/ha) along with 0.1 tons/ha vermicompost recoded higher green fodder productivity and growth characters of soybean. However application of N, P2O5, K2O (20, 60, 30 kg/ha) was found economically viable option.

Quantification and comparison of ecosystem services of grasslands versus another fodder crop (maize) based on mineral nitrogen content in the 60–90 cm soil layer

Grasslands provide many ecosystem services. Apart from being a source of fodder for animals, grasslands regulate water and soil quality by reducing nitrogen emissions to the environment. The aim of the study was to determine the biophysical and monetary value of ecosystem services of grassland based on the “mineral nitrogen content in the soil layer 60–90 cm” indicator depending on the method of use and the type of soil, against the cultivation of maize for green fodder. The study area encompassed three provinces, different in terms of soil use, livestock population and intensity of grassland use. The investigation indicated that the value of ecosystem services provided by grasslands varied spatially and depended on the type of use and type of soil. In mineral soils, the lowest levels of this index were recorded from sites used for pasturing, while the highest levels were found under maize crops. In organic soils (without maize crops), the smallest losses of Nmin were observed in meadows while the highest losses were in pastures. Nmin losses in organic soils were higher than in mineral soils. The losses observed were highest in Opolskie Province, followed by Podlaskie Province, with the lowest losses in Lubelskie Province.

Economic and energy evaluation of sainfoin growing technology elements for green feed

One of the main directions of fodder production intensification is the cultivation of fodder crops and fodder harvesting from them at the lowest cost of energy and labor resources, the maximum yield of fodder products per unit area, and 1 UAH of production costs. To successfully perform this task, it is necessary, first of all, to increase the productivity of forage crops, the use of cost-effective and energy-saving technologies and increase the efficiency of fertilizer application. One of the most valuable perennial legumes is sainfoin, which is characterized by high fodder value, unpretentiousness to growing conditions and has great agronomic value. At the same time, the existing technologies for growing sainfoin for fodder purposes remain energy- and resource intensive. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of mineral fertilizers and seed inoculation on the economic and energy efficiency of the sainfoin growing technology on green fodder. Experimental studies were conducted during 2016-2018 on the research field of the Department of Forage Production, Land Reclamation and Meteorology, located in the NULES of Ukraine "Agronomic Research Station" on typical low-humus chernozem. Experimental research was conducted during 2016-2018 on the research field of the Department of Forage Production, Land Reclamation and Meteorology, located in the NULES of Ukraine "Agronomic Research Station". The scheme of the experiment included the following factors: factor A - varieties of sainfoin: Amethyst Donetskyi, Adam, Smaragd; factor B - fertilizer, inoculation: 1) without fertilizers, 2) N45R60K90 + seeds inoculation, 3) P60K90 + seeds inoculation. As nitrogen fertilizer was used ammonium nitrate 34%, phosphorus - simple superphosphate 19%, potassium - potassium salt 56%. Method of sowing - row, spring, coverless. Inoculation was performed by Rhizotorphin. Economic evaluation of the results of field experiments was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods developed by the Institute of Cereals NAAS, the Institute of Feed and Agriculture of Podillya NAAS, NSC "Institute of Agrarian Economics" and other research institutions. Calculations of energy efficiency of growing sainfoin for green fodder were calculated according to the "Methodology of bioenergy assessment of technologies for the production of livestock products and feed." According to the economic assessment, the calculations of monetary and material costs are performed taking into account the full mechanization of works. The costs for them are calculated according to the technological maps developed in the process of research. The cost of seeds, fertilizers and fuel was taken at wholesale prices as of January 1. 2019, 1 ton of fodder units of sainfoin was equated to the cost of 1 ton of feed grain. According to the results of research, it was found that when setting up an experiment with different varieties of sainfoin, both with the introduction of mineral fertilizers and without them, the costs were the same. Economic indicators differed significantly at the end of the growing season, as the productivity of different varieties of sainfoin differed significantly not only due to the biological characteristics of varieties, but also as a result of their different reactions to mineral fertilizers. According to the obtained results of the calculation, among the studied varieties of sainfoin the highest conditionally net profit (13354-16504 UAH/ha) and the level of profitability (129-176%), as well as the lowest cost of 1 ton of feed units (1431-1627 UAH per 1 ton) and crude protein (UAH 8393–7291 per 1 ton) were observed on crops of sainfoin Amethyst Donetskyi. In general, the most economically feasible in terms of profitability (176%) was the cultivation of this variety in the absence of fertilizer. The highest indicators of EEC (energy efficiency coefficient) (4.6-6.3) were observed for the cultivation of sainfoin variety Amethyst Donetskyi in the absence of mineral fertilizer or application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers only.

Crop Residue Based Complete Feed for Enhancing Livestock Performance- A Review

The estimated projected data regarding demand and supply of feed and fodder shows13.20% and 18.43% deficit between demand and supply of dry and green fodder to livestock, respectively. Shortage of land for cultivation of fodders and increased human as well as livestock population has led to heavy competition for food grains that necessitates using the crop residues for the feeding of livestock. These crop residues are rich in fibre and low in other nutrients; they also have low palatability and digestibility. The best way to efficiently utilize the crop residues is to prepare complete feeds from pretreated crop residues + concentrates mixture. Pretreatment of crop residues increases digestibility by increasing rate of delignification, increasing enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, hemicelluloses and thus increasing the glucose yield. The complete feed is a quantitative mixture of all dietary ingredients to provide the specific nutrient requirement for various physiological functions of livestock. Crop residue-based complete feed could be prepared in mash, block and pellet (Expander and extruder) form. In this system, all feed ingredients including roughages are proportioned, processed and mixed into a uniform blend. Different researchers undertook feeding trials of complete animal feed and conventional animal feed and reported better performance in terms of weight gain, milk yield and reproductive performance on feeding complete feed pellets or complete feed blocks to ruminants as compared to conventional ration. In conclusion, crop residue based complete feed could improve ruminant performance and reduces cost of feeding per kg gain or yield and thereby improving livestock based rural economy in developing countries like India.

Determining Economical Irrigation Depths in a Sandy Field Using a Combination of Weather Forecast and Numerical Simulation

Advancement of modern technologies has given numerical simulations a crucial role to effectively manage irrigation. A new numerical scheme to determine irrigation depths was incorporated into WASH 2D, which is a numerical simulation model of crop response to irrigation. Based on two predicted points of cumulative transpiration—water price and quantitative weather forecast—the scheme can optimize an irrigation depth in which net income is maximized. A field experiment was carried out at the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori, Japan, in 2019, to evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme on net income and crop production compared to a tensiometer-based automated irrigation system. Sweetcorn (Zea mays L., Amaenbou 86) was grown in three water balance lysimeters per each treatment, filled with sandy soil. The scheme could achieve a 4% higher net income, due to a 7% increase in green fodder yield, and an 11% reduction in irrigation amount, compared with the automated irrigation method. These results indicate that the numerical scheme, in combination with quantitative weather forecasts, can be a useful tool to determine irrigation depths, maximize net incomes which are farmers’ targets, and avoid large investments that are required for the automated irrigation system.

Evaluation of Perennial Grass-legume Cropping Systems for Year-round Supply of Fodder for Dairy Farms

Background: Long-term and stable livestock productivity could be possible only through a year-round supply of quality green fodder and it is essential for the sustainability of dairy farms. The year-round supply of quality green fodder is challenging to livestock farmers; however, it is possible by adopting perennial grass-legume intercropping systems. Methods: A field experiment with eight treatments consisting of two perennial grasses (Napier- bajra hybrid grass and guinea grass) alone or in combination with three fodder legumes (Lucerne, Hedge Lucerne and Sesbania) was conducted for 3 years (2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19) in a sandy loam soil at the Agricultural Research Institute, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The treatments were replicated thrice in a randomized block design. Perennial grasses were raised in paired row method (row to row 120cm and plant to plant 60 cm. The legume intercrops were grown with their respective spacing within 120 cm row. Sesbania inter crop was allowed to grow for 6 months and later trimmed to a height of 1 meter in the establishment year. Growth parameters were measured only for grasses at each harvesting and green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields were recorded for both grasses and legumes at each cut and accumulated annually (total 6 cuts/year) for statistical analyses. Result: The results indicated that among the grasses, Napier-bajra hybrid recorded significantly higher green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields; in case of leguminous inter crops, Sesbania recorded highest green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields followed by Hedge Lucerne. About total productivity of the system, Napier-bajra hybrid + Sesbania (2:1) cropping system recorded highest green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields. Highest net returns and B:C ratio was also noted with Napier bajra hybrid +Sesbania (2:1) cropping system and proved to be the best perennial fodder system for year-round supply fodder to the livestock.

Scientific Management Practices Followed by Sheep Rearing Farmers in Raichur District of Karnataka, India

Livestock is one of the most remunerative enterprises among the farming community the present study was undertaken to know the scientific sheep management practices by sheep owners in Raichur and Lingasugur taluks of Raichur district. For this purpose, 6 villages from each taluks were selected on the basis of highest sheep population. Ten respondents drawn from each selected village with 120 sample size. The data was collected through structured schedule and the data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods. The findings of the study indicated that a large majority of the sheep owners (85.00%) administer the drugs for de worming in lamb management, followed by providing of fresh and clean water (83.33%) and proper bedding material (80.00%) in winter season. With regards feeding management of the sheep, a large majority of the respondents (85.00%) allowed their sheep for grazing in community land Nearly one fifth of the respondents provided green fodder throughout the year as their land comes under the canal irrigation provision, in addition to bore well facilities. Further, 100% of the respondents had proper floor space for the sheep size with cleaning padlock regularly in housing management practices. It is worth to note that 83.00 per cent of them monitor heat detection in sheep and provided treatment to the animals which were suffering from reproductive disorder (87.50%).This is mainly due to the availability of veterinary services in the locality. With regards health management practices, cent percent of the respondents check up the health of the sheep regularly and administer vaccination as scheduled (4/annum) and disinfection of the padlock in order to prevent the disease.