Adaptation and Growth Response of Winter Forage Cereals (Barley and Triticale) to Nitrogen under Rainfed Conditions of Rawalakot

Abstract

Due to shortage of green fodder in rainfed regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the animals are under nourished thus subjected to poor health and low production. The experiment was performed with the aim of increasing forage production in winter harsh weathered areas of Kashmir like Rawalakot. The study comprised of winter forages (Barley and Triticale) and nitrogen levels (0, 75 and 150 kg ha-1) as treatments and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having split plot arrangement with three replications. Results of the experiment showed that the N @ 150 kg ha-1 produced maximum plant height (112.00 cm), number of tillers per plant (15.667), fresh weight per plant (89.247 g), dry weight per plant (30.470 g), green fodder yield (53533 kg ha1), dry matter yield (17495 kg ha-1) leaf area per plant (16.838 cm2 plant-1), crop growth rate (72.333 gm2 day-1), crude protein (13.993 %), crude fibre (37.877 %), total ash (14.340%), neutral detergent fibre (52.423%) and acid detergent fibre (39.737%) in triticale crop. Emergence percentage, number of plants per unit area, and relative growth rate gave non-significant results during the study. Therefore, it was concluded that triticale is the best forage in harsh weather of Rawalakot during winter to feed the animals.