Regional Research Station, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Dharwad, Karnataka, 580005
1 Present address: National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nag-pur, Maharashtra 440010
Inoculation of Azospirillum significantly influenced the leaf: stem ratio (LSR) of Pennisetum trispecific hybrid (P. typoides x P. purpureum x P. squmulatum), but its effect on number of tillers was not consistent. Application of nitrogen did not significantly influence the number of tillers, LSR and green forage yield during the first year. Inoculation of Azospirillum strain ACD-20 recorded significantly higher green forage yield than ACD-15 and the control. Thelncrease in green forage yield owing to inoculation of strain ACD-20 over ACD-15 was 18% and over the control was 25%. Azospirilium strain ACD-20 inoculation could give an equivalent green forage yield as given by application of 25 kg N/ha. The benefit: cost ratio was maximum (2.35) when Azospirillum strain ACD-20 inoculated to was Pennisetum trispecific hybrid, followed by application of 75 kg N/ha (2.09) and 25 Kg N/ha (2.07).
Pennisetum trispecific hybrid, Nitrogen, Azospirillum strains, Interaction effects, Rainfed conditions
