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Biomass and Nitrogen Yields at Different Seed Rates of Two Green Manuring Crops

F I M G W Sarker
Scientific Officer
Farm Management Division, BRRI, Gazipur

M M Zaman
Senior Scientific Officer
Farm Management Division, BRRI, Gazipur

J U Chaudhury
Senior Scientific Officer
Farm Management Division, BRRI, Gazipur

T Chand
Senior Scientific Officer
Farm Management Division, BRRI, Gazipur

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Green manure crops are fast growing leguminous crops, which could fix atmospheric nitrogen (N) into the soil. Through incorporation into the soil, green manures not only supply N for the use of subsequent crops, but also add sufficient amount of organic matter to the soil. Sunnhemp and cowpea are popular fodder and green manure crops in Bangladesh. But few experiments have been conducted on the performance of sunnhemp and cowpea. Therefore, an experiment was conducted BRRI Farm, Gazipur to determine the maximum dry matter production and nitrogen yields under optimal seed rates. Sunnhemp at 20 kg/ha seed rate produced the highest fry matter biomass (3.26 t/ha) and nitrogen (126.81 kg/ha) at DAS. Cow pea at 40 kg/ha seed rate produced highest dry matter biomass (2.43 t/ha) and nitrogen (119.31 kg/ha) at 60 DAS. Thus, sunnhemp was better than cowpea in dry matter and nitrogen yields.

Keywords: Green Manure, Seed Rates, Biomass and N Production

Location: BRRI Farm, Gazipur, Bangladedsh

Start Date: 15-11-1984

End Date: 10-04-1985

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Manures

Objectives:

To determine the amount of dry matter and nitrogen yields as influenced by different seed rates of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata).

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted at BRRI Farm, Gazipur during Boro season, 1985. The seed rates were T₁ = 15 kg/ha, T₂ = 20 kg/ha and T₃ = 25 kg/ha for sunnhemp; and T₄ = 30 kg/ha, T₅ = 35 kg/ha and T₆ = 40 hg/ha for cowpea. A split plot design with three replications was used. Green manure crops were assigned in main plots while the seed rates were in the sub-plots. The green weight and plant population data were recorded at every 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing (DAS) from each plot. All plants from 1 m² area in each plot, were uprooted and roots were washed to remove the soil. One hundred grams of green plant samples were taken from each plot, oven dried for 72 hours at 70^oC for determining dry matter yield and samples were analyzed for N content.

Source of Information: Ann. Bangladesh Agric, 2(1):59-61,1992

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: 25,000

Total Budget (Tk.) : 25,000

Achievement/Findings:

Dry matter production of sunnhemp and cowpea increased significantly with the age of plant. At 60 DAS, sunnhemp at the seed rate of 20 kg/ha produced significantly higher dry matter yield (3.26 t/ha) over all other treatments. It appears that 20 kg/ha seed rate for sunnhemp and 40 kg/ha for cowpea are optimum for higher dry matter production. Nitrogen yield increased with plant age. At 60 DAS, 20 kg/ha seed rate of sunnhemp and 40 kg/ha seed rate of cowpea produced the highest amount of nitrogen (126.81 kg/ha and 119.31 kg/ha, respectively). It is reported that farmers could grow green manuring crops during the 45-60 days transition period between dry and wet season and it could be supply substantial portion of the N requirement of subsequent crops. Sunnhemp was better both in dry matter and nitrogen yields than cowpea.

Knowledge Management: Journal