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Effects of Intercropping, Seeding Rate, and Fertilizer on Fodder Production in the Low Lying Area of Bangladesh

N. R. Sarker
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

M. Giasuddin
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

M. M. Islam
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

M. M. Rahman
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

L. Yasmin
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was conducted at low lying areas in Pabna and Sirajgong districts of Bangladesh. To observe the potentiality of bio-mass production two trials were conducted. In first trial maize intercropped with Khesari taking 15 experimental plots of each size 5m X 5m were arranged in 5 blocks having homogenous soil characteristics. The study showed that the bio-mass yield of sole maize and sole Khesari were 35.25 t/ha. and 56.80 t/ha. respectively and there was a significant difference (p < 0,01) among them. The results also showed that bio-mass yield of maize and Kherasi was higher (70.04 ± 6.25 t/ha, 98.88 10.77 t/ha and 80.56 9.5 t/ha) compared to sole maize and sole Khesari and land equivalent ratio was also lower.

For second trial, one hectare of land was divided into 16 experimental plots with 4 replications in each plot. Four levels of urea (0 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha, 45 kg/ha and 60 kg/ha.) were applied to experimental plots. The seed rates were 98.8 kg/ha (farmer's practice), 86.45 kg/ha, 74.1 kg/ha and 61.75 kg/ha. Average bio-mass yield of matikalai at different seed rates along with urea fertilizer ranged from 38.49 t/ha, to 65.35 t/ha. The highest seed rate along with highest fertilizer also corresponds to the peak production (65.35 t/ha) and the lowest seed rate (61.75 kg/ha) along with the lowest fertilizer rate (30 kg/ha.) showed lowest production (38.49 t/ha.). Here, it was found that the biomass yield of matikalai increased with the incremental amount of seed, indicating a significant effect (p < 0.05) of seed rates on the bio-mass yield of matikalai. On the other hand, fertilizer doses in different treatment combinations had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on bio-mass yield. Two levels of seed rates at zero level of fertilizer were recommended: 86.45 kg/ha for the resource-rich fanners and 61.75 kg/ha for the resource-poor farmers.

Keywords: Bio-mass, Land Equivalent Ratio, Intercropping)

Location: At low lying areas in Pabna and Sirajgong districts of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Fertilizer, Intercropping

Objectives:

In view of the above importance the experiment on biomass fodder production of matikalai, and maize intercropped with Khesari were undertaken at low lying areas of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted at the low-lying areas of Pabna and Sirajgong districts over a period of 2 years. Previous work had indicated potential of legume fodder supplementation to increase milk production.

First experiment This study was conducted at non-Bathan area of Pabna milk shed area, taking 15 experimental plots of each size 5m X 5m, and arranged in 5 blocks having homogenous soil characteristics. The experimental plots were prepared by ploughing and subsequent cross ploughing and harrowing. A prescribed basal dose of 175 kg/ha of trippie superphosphate, 45 kg/ha of muriate of potash and 25 tons/ha of FYM (Farm yard manure) were applied in the experimental plots during land preparation and 55 kg urea/ha was applied after 6 weeks of sowing. The intercrops were grown in three spatial arrangements, i.e. seeds were dibbled in 100 X 25 cm, 75 X 25 cm, and 50 x 25 cm, and khesari seeds were broadcasted in between the rows. Sole maize and sole khesari were also introduced as spatial treatment for comparison. Maize samplings were thinned first at 50 days after emergence (DAE) and final harvest was done after 7 days of cob at milking stage and khesari was also harvested after 70 days of sowing. Data were analyzed for appropriate statistical variances according to Snedecor and Cochran (1982), using SAS package.

Second experiment The second experiment was carried out on Bathan land and about 1 hectare land was divided into 16 experimental plots with 4 replications in each plot. Four levels of urea (0 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha, 45 kg/ha and 60 kg/ha) were applied as basal along with 4 levels of seed rates of matikalai viz. 98.8 kg/ha, 86.45 ka/ha, 74.1 kg/ha and 61.75 kg/ha. Farmer's practice was 98.8 kg/ha. Thus, a total of 16 treatment combinations of fertilizer and seed were assigned randomly to 16 different plots. The seed was broadcasted on 28th October, 1991 and was harvested on the 31st December, 1991. For the determination of bio-mass, 4 m2 from each plot of matikalai was harvested randomly and data on fresh bio-mass of matikalai were analyzed using a 4 X 4 factorial experiment (Steel and Torrie 1964) and for variance analysis the statistical analysis System (SAS, 1982) was used.

Source of Information: AJAS 1994 Vol. 7 (No. 1) 57-61

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The result emanated from the studies has confirmed the potential of cultivation of seasonal fodder which can be obtained only 70-90 days in the field and can be well included in the existing cropping system. Zero level urea with 86.45 kg/ha of seed rate may be recommended for resource-rich farmers and zero level urea along with 61.75 kg/ha of seed rate may be recommended for resource-poor fanners and this could save not only seed cost but also fertilizer cost.

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