Yield and Nutritional Quality Assessment of Forage Species as Affected by Harvest Frequency and Land Type

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effects of days interval on the growth parameters and nutrient composition of four varieties of forage genotype at different land types. The experimental was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors e.g. Factor A-days interval (D₁= 60days, D₂ =75days); Factor B- land type (L₁= Agricultural land, L₂= Fallow land) and Factor C four varieties (V₁=Red Napier, V₂ =3ʳᵈ Gen. Napier, V₃ =1ˢᵗ Gen. Napier, V₄ =Pakchong) with 3 replications at Dacope Upozilla, Khulna. The interaction effects of day interval, land type and verity had significant effects (p<0.05) on leaf length, leaf number and biomass. The findings of the study revealed that highest leaf length and biomass were 116.40 cm and 132.14t ha⁻¹ respectively obtained the interaction effect of D₂L₁V₄. Highest leaf number (11.30) was found in the interaction of D₂L₁V₂. These interactions were highly significantly differed (p<0.001). Highest plant height, tiller number per hill and leaf width was found in the interaction effect of D₂L₁V₄, D₂L₁V₂ and D₂L₁V₄, respectively which did not significantly differ. Highest ash (16.57%) and Ether Extract (2.39%) were obtained with the interaction effect of D₂L₂V₃ and D₂L₁V₄ respectively. These interactions were highly significantly differed (p<0.001). Highest Crude Protein (9.10%) and moisture content were found in the interaction effect of D₁L₁V₄. It might be concluded that biomass production of Pakchong is highest at 75 days after planting in agricultural land while the CP content was highest at 60 days after planting.