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Age of Green Manure Crops: an Important Aspect of Biomass Production and Nitrogen Accumulation

S.K. Zaman
Department of Soil Chemistry Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701

N.I. Bhuiyan
Department of Soil Chemistry Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701

M.A. Samad
Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Aqricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Field experiment was conducted to determine an appropriate age of green manure crops for optimum biomass production and its ability to supply maximum N to the soil. Three green manure crops: Cowpea (Vigna unguileata), Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea) and three plant ages viz. 30, 45 and 60 days were tested. The results showed that in terms of biomass production at given age, the crops stood in the order dhaincha > sunnhemp > Cowpea. The shoot drymatter of the 60 day old crops were 5.2, 3.6 and 2.6 t/ha for dhaincha, sunhemp and cowpea, respectively .The shoot N content was lower in dhaincha than that in the other two crops. It was estimated that 60 day old dhaincha, sunhemp and cowpea plants had the ability to supply the soil N with 135, 133 and 104 kg/ha of organic N, respectively.

Keywords: Age, Green manure crops, N accumulation

Location: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BARI) farm, Gazipur

Start Date: 01-04-1987

End Date: 31-05-1987

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Manures

Objectives:

To determine an appropriate age of cowpea, dhaincha and sunnhemp for optimum biomass production and its ability to supply maximum N to the soil.

Methodology:

The soil of the experimental plot belongs to Chhiata series of Grey Terrace soil (Ultisols) having clay loam texture with pH 6.5, organic matter 1.65%, total N 0.076% and available P 12 ppm. Three green manure crops:Cowpea ( Vigna unguileata), Dhaincha ( Sesbania aculeata), Sunnhemp ( Crotolaria juncea ) and three plant ages viz. 30, 45 and 60 days were tested for biomass production and N accumulation. The seed rates were 35 , 50 and 40 kg/ha for cowpea, dhaincha and sunnhemp, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 3 replications following green manure crops in the main plot and age of plants in sub-plot. The unit plot size was 4m x 4m. Only P fertilizer as triple super-phosphate was applied at the rate of 20 kg/ha during final land preparation. The seeds of cowpea. dhaincha and sunnhemp were sown on the first day of April immediately after monsoon shower. At the plant age of 30, 45 and 60 day, the growth parameters like plant height, maximum root length were measured. While sampling, the plants were dugout carefully with parts of the root system , which was washed with a jet of water to remove adhering soil particles . The plants were divided into root, shoot and root nodule. The samples were air-dried, then dried in oven (70°C) and their weights were recorded. The samples of root, shoot and nodule were analyzed for total N by micro-kjeldahl method. Data were analyzed as per standard statistical procedures.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agril Sci. 22( 1): 107-112, January, 1995

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results suggested that 60 day old green manure plants of cowpea, dhaincha and sunnhemp may be an appropriate age for maximum N accumulation.

Knowledge Management: Journal