1Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, TNAU, Coimbatore
2Department of Agronomy, Veterinary and Animal Sciences Unit, TNAU, Coimbatore
3Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Directorate of NRM, TNAU, Coimbatore
4Head of the Department, Division of Soil Chemistry & Fertility & I/c Project Coordinator AICRP-MSPE, Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal
*Corresponding author mail: suganssac2010@tnau.ac.in
Online Published on 17 March, 2026.
A field experiment was conducted at Anaikatti, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the effect of zinc fertilization on the growth and yield attributes of Cumbu Napier [CO (BN) 5]. The treatments included soil and foliar applications of zinc sulphate at different levels in combination with soil-test-based NPK recommendations. Results indicated that the combined application of soil test-based NPK + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 + 0.5ą ZnSO4 foliar spray applied thrice at 10-day intervals (T4) significantly improved plant height, number of tillers, SPAD values, and green fodder yield compared to other treatments. The enhanced growth and yield performance under T4 was attributed to improved zinc availability, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and better enzymatic and hormonal regulation. These findings indicate the potential of combined soil and foliar zinc application to maximize fodder yield and maintain the nutritional quality of Cumbu Napier.
Cumbu Napier [CO (BN) 5], Zinc fertilization, Combined soil and foliar application, SPAD chlorophyll content, Growth and yield attributes
