Fodder Production and Grassland Management

MANURES AND FERTILIZERS

• Since all the grass species are having only fibrous root system, they are getting their nutrients mainly from the top soil layers (0-30 cm depth). Hence, keep the soils fertile and aerated. Application of organic matter, irrespective of the soil type is essential.
• Also the grasses are perennial and they need sustained support through improved physical condition of the soil. This can be achieved through adequate supply of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) or compost @ 25 t/ha.
• Moreover, grasses are the most neglected crops among the cultivated crops. Hence, it is obvious that only marginal or poor lands will be allotted to them. Under that situation, not only application of FYM/compost is essential, but application of inorganic fertilizers such as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) as basal is essential.
• In Europe and other western countries, the farmers are applying the micronutrients (such as Iron, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Manganese, Sodium etc.,) to irrigated and rainfed pastures to avoid micronutrient deficiency in the animals. Such awareness and practice are yet to be inculcated to our farmers.
• Application of NPK have been found to increase the fodder yield of grasses by nearly 2 to 4 times. In irrigated grasses such as Bajra Napier hybrid and guinea grass, top dressing of N after every cut is adopted. But in rainfed grasses, it is not followed in view of the non-availability of water. However, application of N to the tune of 20-40 kg/ha is advocated, whenever there is favourable rainfall.
• Biofertilizers such as Azospirillum + Phosphobacterium mixture can be used for both seed treatment (3 packets 600 g/ha) and soil application (10 packets or 2000 g/ha) before sowing. Biofertilizers were found to increase the green fodder yield by 1-2 t/ha.