Guinea grass forage production under varying tree shade levels and potassium

The shortage of forage and feeds in Kerala is mainly due to the very limited area available for fodder cultivation. The only possibility is to increase productivity from unit area and so a possible measure is to raise fodder as intercrop in the existing cropping system of the state. Field experiment was conducted in the upland area of the Instructional Farm of College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Three levels of shade (0, 25, 50%), three levels of potassium (50,100,150 kg/ha) and two varieties of guinea grass (Hamil and Haritha) were combined to form eighteen treatment combinations. Shade levels and potassium significantly influenced the green fodder yield. The response of guinea grass to potash was found to be more in higher light intensity. Application of 150 kg k2o ha-1 (k3) recorded significantly higher green fodder yield. Uptake of N,P and K were significantly higher in open(So) condition and at the highest level of K(150kg/ha). Application of 100kg k2o/ha resulted in highest net returns and B: C ratio in open condition.