Growth, yield and quality of mixed pasture as influenced by potash levels

A field experiment was conducted during 1995–2000 to study the growth, yield and quality of mixed pasture as influenced by potash levels. The treatment comprised five intercropping systems of Dhawalu grass (Chrysopogon fulvus) and Stylosanthes hamata viz; sole grass, sole legume and intercropping of grass with legume in 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 row ratios and three levels of potash viz; 0, 30 and 60 kg K₂O/ha. Intercropping of Dhawalu grass with S. hamata in 1:1 row ratio resulted in significantly higher green forage (25.83 t/ha), dry matter (6.73 t/ha) and crude protein yields (516.77 kg/ha) compared to sole stand of grass. Total green forage (27.04 t/ha), dry matter (6.79 t/ha) and crude protein yields (585.40 kg/ha) were also significantly increased with the application of 60 kg K₂O/ha than control and 30 kg K₂O/ha. In Dhawalu grass maximum crude protein content (6.43%) and minimum NDF (77.1%) and ADF (53.56%) was recorded in 1:2 row ratio of grass legume intercropping closely followed by 1:1 row ratio. Application of 60 kg K₂O/ha gave highest crude protein content and lowest NDF and ADF in both Dhawalu grass and S. hamata.