Influence of seasonal variation on oxalate accumulation in Napier Bajra hybrid under different nitrogen nutrition

Nitrogen fertilization is one of the most practical and effective way to improve yield and nutritional quality in crops but higher doses may lead to accumulation of antinutritional components like oxalates, nitrates and HCN. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seasons, nitrogen doses and sources on oxalate content of Napier Bajra (NB) hybrid. The experiment was designed in randomized block design with three nitrogen sources (nitrate, amide and ammonium) at three doses (50, 75 and 100 kg N/ha) and replicated thrice. First cutting was taken after two months and subsequent cuttings were taken at an interval of 35–40 days. Total oxalate content varied with increasing doses of nitrogen fertilization and seasons, but effect was not consistent in all the cuttings. Soluble oxalate level was increased with nitrogen fertilization and nitrate form increased the content above toxic level (<20 g kg⁻¹DM). Insoluble oxalate content decreased with nitrogen fertilization.