Influence of Different Nitrogen Levels and Weed Control on Yield and Chemical Composition of Mustard (Brassica rapa L. sub. chinensis) Fodder

An experiment was conducted to observe the effect of various nitrogen levels and weed control treatments on yield and chemical composition of mustard fodder. Treatments comprised combination of four nitrogen levels ((0, 60,120 and 180 kg/ha) in main plots and six weed control treatments (Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha, Clodinafop propargyl @ 60g a.i./ha, Isoproturon @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha, one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS), two hand weeding 15 and 30 DAS and weedy check) as sub plots in a split plot design with four replications. Higher (P<0.05) green and dry fodder yield, CP, EE and total ash content of forage mustard was obtained with the application of 180 kg N/ha than application level of 120 kg N/ha, 60 kg N/ha and control. The contents of NDF, ADF and hemicellulose of forage mustard decreased (P<0.05) by increasing nitrogen levels. Application of Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha resulted in higher (P<0.05) CP and DM content than other weed control treatments, however, total ash content was higher (P<0.05) following two hand weedings. It was concluded that application of 180 kg N/ha, Pendimethalin@ 1.0 kg a.i/ha with two hand weeding improved the fodder yield and other nutrients in mustard fodder.