Field experiment was carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra farm, Veterinary College and Research Institute campus, TANUVAS, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu during 2012–13 and 2013–14 with a aim to study the effect of different paired row drip system (60/90 × 50 cm and 60/120 × 50 cm), drip irrigation regimes (100% PE and 150% PE) and N fertigation levels (75, 100 and 125% of recommended dose of N fertilizer) on quality of Bajra Napier hybrid grass CO (CN) 4. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Paired row system of planting at 60/90 x 50 cm crop geometry with drip irrigation at 150 per cent pan evaporation (PE) and N fertigation at 125 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) registered significantly higher crude protein content (8.45% and 9.54%), crude protein yield (6.73 and 7.29 t ha −1), ether extract (1.79% and 1.86%), calcium content (0.59% and 0.68%) and phosphorus content (0.35% and 0.38%) during 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively. Surface method of irrigation with 100 per cent RDF through conventional method of fertilizer application resulted in lesser crude protein content (6.42% and 7.41%), crude protein yield (3.7 and 3.89 t ha −1), ether extract (1.23% and 1.44%), calcium content 0.45% and 0.55% and phosphorus content (0.28% and 0.33%) during 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively.
Bajra Napier hybrid grass, paired row planting system, irrigation regimes, N fertigation and fodder quality
