Effect of Nitrogen, Farmyard Manure and Harvest Intervals on Growth, Productivity and Economics of Guinea Grass and Soil Fertility

A field experiment was conducted during 2007–2010 on sandy loam soil at Central Research Farm of Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to find out the effect of fertility and cutting management on forage productivity, quality and economics of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) and soil fertility under semi-arid rainfed conditions. Harvesting of guinea grass at 60 days interval along with application of 80 kg N/ha in combination with 10 t FYM/ha recorded maximum dry forage yield (6.31, 11.59 and 8.17 t/ha) which was significantly higher as compared to 40 and 60 days harvest intervals + lower levels of fertility treatments. Dry forage yields of guinea grass during first, second and third years were 4.3, 8.6 and 5.2 t/ha, respectively. Harvesting at 40 days interval recorded significantly higher crude protein content and lower neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre content in guinea grass than 60 days harvest interval. The soil organic carbon, available N, P and K were increased significantly with the application of 10 t FYM/ha than control and 5 t FYM/ha. The maximum net return (6518/ha) was obtained by harvesting of Guinea grass at 60 days interval along with application of 80 kg N in combination with 5 t FYM/ha.