Effect of Seed and Nitrogen Rates on Biomass Yield and Quality of Wheat Fodder in the Coastal Soil of Southwestern Bangladesh

Abstract

Green fodders, are rich in nutrient and also the primary source of vitamin-A and is highly palatable and digestible for ruminant animal. Scarcity of fodders are the major limitation of livestock farming in the coastal region of southwestern Bangladesh. Biomass yield and quality of fodders are determined by nitrogen (N) fertilization, seed rates and cutting age. Therefore, a study was conducted in the farmers field at the coastal region of southwestern Bangladesh to investigate the effect of N rates, seed rates and cutting age on the yield and biomass quality of wheat as fodder. Five rates of N (0, 105, 120, 175 and 210 kg ha-1) and four levels of seed rates (120, 150, 180 and 210 kg ha-1) were considered as the experimental treatments. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design and replicated in three times. The analyzed data were substantially influenced with the N rates and seed rates separately yet their interaction had no significant effect. The fresh biomass, crude protein, crude fibre, ash and ether extract content were higher with 210 kg N ha-1, but gradually declined with the reduced rate. Lower seed rate (120 kg ha-1) resulted in higher crude protein, crude fibre, ash, and ether extract, then steadily decreased with the increased seed rate, but fresh biomass accumulation was higher with a higher seed rate (210 kg ha-1). Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was increased by 540% to 20% and 23% to 9% more due to higher N rate (210 kg ha-1) and higher seed rate, respectively, compared to other treatments. The quality of biomass (dry weight basis) in all aspects was higher in the earlier cut (50 DAS), but fresh biomass accumulation and BCR were comparatively higher with the later cut (60 DAS). From the findings of this study, it could be suggested that application of N @ 175-210 kg ha-1 and maintaining of 180-210 kg seed ha-1 with early cut (50 DAS) is better for wheat fodder in the coastal soil of southwestern Bangladesh.