Production potential of a natural grassland as influenced by nitrogen fertilizer and cutting dates under north western himalayan conditions

A field study on the effect of cutting dates and nitrogen fertilizer applications under natural grassland conditions revealed significant influence on hay, green and dry fodder production of indigenous flora. The grassland showed linear response to N— fertilizer application with an improvement in its protein content but decrease in crude fibre. Second date of cutting on September 25 and fertilized with 90 kg N/ha resulted in highest yields when compared to other treatments, whereas lately cut grasses had higher crude fibre, wider leaf/stem ratio, less nitrogen uptake and lower yields when compared to September 25 cutting.