Response of napier bajra hybrids to integrated nitrogen management

In an experiment effects of organic materials, viz. dung + animal urine (OM), chemical fertilizer and biofertilizers, on productivity of napier bajra hybrids and soil fertility were studied in a transitional tract of hot semi-arid, agroecological region of Karnataka, India. Total green forage yield of napier bajra hybrids increased significantly with the application of 10 tonnes dung + animal urine/ha/year and Azospirillum inoculation. Significant variations in number of tillers and leaf: stem ratio (LSR) was observed among the different hybrids and it was not significantly influenced by application of organic matter, Azospirillum inoculation and N levels. However, Azospirillum inoculation showed significant increase in LSR in the first year. Among the hybrids tested ‘IGFRI 7’ was superior to ‘Co 2’ and ‘PBN 16’ in relation to green forage yield. At the end of 2 year cycle of napier bajra hybrids (after 11 cuts) there was an improvement in the soil available N content due to application of 10 tonnes OM + 150 kg N and Azospirillum inoculation.