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Determination of optimum seed and fertilizer rate for fodder oat in Bale Highland Southeastern Ethiopia

  • October 2014
Authors:
Dawit Abate at AdamiTulu Agricultural Research Center
Dawit Abate
  • AdamiTulu Agricultural Research Center
Teklu Wegi at Oromia Agricultural Research Institute
Teklu Wegi
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Abstract

The experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2012 for two years at Sinana on-station and on farms (Selka and Agarfa) with the objective to determine optimum seed rate and fertilizer level for herbage and grain production. The trial was carried out in factorial RCBD with three replications. Seed rates of 60, 70, 80 and 90 kg/ha were used as main plot treatments where as fertilizer rates of 0, 25kg UREA and 50 kg DAP, 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP and 75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP were used as sub plot treatments. DM yield, seed yield, plant height and standing percentage and leaf to stem ration were significantly (P<0.05) varied among different seed rate and fertilizer rate combination. The DM yield of fodder oat increased with increasing level of fertilizer. The highest value (15.0 t/ha) was obtained at seed rate of 80kg/ha and at the higher fertilizer level. This could be due to the more competitiveness of oats with weeds at the higher seeding rate. Moreover, these fertilizers promote vigorous plant growth and a larger leaf area that contribute to the dry matter yield of the fodder oat. At the higher levels of fertilizer application, the DM contents did not increase significantly. It indicated that there is no significant difference in DM yield of fertilizer application of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP and the highest level which is 75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP. However, seeding rate and application of fertilizers above optimum level often produce no additional yield increase. Moreover, higher fertilizer rates could result in higher lodging of oats. Hence, there is no need to go for higher seed rate and fertilizer level. The highest seed yield (44.8Q/ha) was obtained at seed rate of 70kg/ha and fertilizer rate of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP, while the lowest seed yield 36.8Q/ha was obtained at seed rate of 80kg/ha without fertilizer. A modest increase in seed yield occurred with an increased seeding rate up to 70kg/ha with fertilizer level of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. The increasing seeding rates above 70kg/ha are more likely to reduce size and quality of seed. The highest plant height (134.2cm) was recorded at the higher fertilizer level with seed rate of 80 and 90 kg/ha respectively. The lowest plant height (124.3 cm) was recorded at seed rate (80kg/ha) without fertilizer application. This study also indicated that application of fertilizer showed significantly (P<0.05) higher plant height than group having no fertilizer. Generally, the study indicated that seeding rates and fertilizer application at different level have an impact on yield and agronomic parameters of fodder oat. So it is found to be very important to have the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level for producing reasonable DM and seed yield of fodder oats. Hence, the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level to get reasonable DM yield will be at seed rate of 80 kg/ha and at fertilizer level of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. While if the target is for forage seed production, seed rate of 70kg/ha with fertilizer rate of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP is very optimum to farmers in order to obtain reasonable yield.
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International Journal of Soil and Crop Sciences: Vol. 2(7): pp 073-076, October, 2014.
Copyright © 2014 Spring Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Determination of optimum seed and fertilizer rate for
fodder oat in Bale Highland Southeastern Ethiopia
Dawit Abate and Teklu Wegi
Sinana Agricultural Research Center P.O.Box 208, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author’s: E-mail: dawit_40@yahoo.com
Accepted 11th October, 2014
The experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2012 for two years at Sinana on-station and on farms
(Selka and Agarfa) with the objective to determine optimum seed rate and fertilizer level for herbage
and grain production. The trial was carried out in factorial RCBD with three replications. Seed rates of
60, 70, 80 and 90 kg/ha were used as main plot treatments where as fertilizer rates of 0, 25kg UREA
and 50 kg DAP, 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP and 75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP were used as sub plot
treatments. DM yield, seed yield, plant height and standing percentage and leaf to stem ration were
significantly (P<0.05) varied among different seed rate and fertilizer rate combination. The DM yield of
fodder oat increased with increasing level of fertilizer. The highest value (15.0 t/ha) was obtained at
seed rate of 80kg/ha and at the higher fertilizer level. This could be due to the more competitiveness
of oats with weeds at the higher seeding rate. Moreover, these fertilizers promote vigorous plant
growth and a larger leaf area that contribute to the dry matter yield of the fodder oat. At the higher
levels of fertilizer application, the DM contents did not increase significantly. It indicated that there is
no significant difference in DM yield of fertilizer application of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP and the
highest level which is 75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP. However, seeding rate and application of fertilizers
above optimum level often produce no additional yield increase. Moreover, higher fertilizer rates
could result in higher lodging of oats. Hence, there is no need to go for higher seed rate and fertilizer
level. The highest seed yield (44.8Q/ha) was obtained at seed rate of 70kg/ha and fertilizer rate of
50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP, while the lowest seed yield 36.8Q/ha was obtained at seed rate of
80kg/ha without fertilizer. A modest increase in seed yield occurred with an increased seeding rate up
to 70kg/ha with fertilizer level of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. The increasing seeding rates above
70kg/ha are more likely to reduce size and quality of seed. The highest plant height (134.2cm) was
recorded at the higher fertilizer level with seed rate of 80 and 90 kg/ha respectively. The lowest plant
height (124.3 cm) was recorded at seed rate (80kg/ha) without fertilizer application. This study also
indicated that application of fertilizer showed significantly (P<0.05) higher plant height than group
having no fertilizer. Generally, the study indicated that seeding rates and fertilizer application at
different level have an impact on yield and agronomic parameters of fodder oat. So it is found to be
very important to have the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level for producing reasonable DM and
seed yield of fodder oats. Hence, the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level to get reasonable DM yield
will be at seed rate of 80 kg/ha and at fertilizer level of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. While if the target
is for forage seed production, seed rate of 70kg/ha with fertilizer rate of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP is
very optimum to farmers in order to obtain reasonable yield.
Keywords: Fodder oats, Avena sativa, Bale highland
INTRODUCTION
The use of cultivated forage crops has received
considerable attention for complementing the
conventional feed resources especially in areas where
high producing crossbred dairy cows are owned in the
Ethiopian highlands (Daniel, 1990). The very nature of
the integrated crop-livestock production systems in the
Ethiopian highlands requires multipurpose forage
species suitable for feed and food or feed and natural
resource conservation thereby to address the multi-
faceted problems of the farming community. Due to its
Int. J. Soil. Crop Sci.
short life cycle, suitability in crop rotations and better
performance on marginal lands, oats is the most
important species for integration into the existing farming
system. Oats appears to be the main forage crop grown
at very high altitudes (up to 3000 m) or on heavy soils
(vertisols) where temperate grasses such as ryegrass,
cocksfoot or tall fescue are difficult to establish
(Lulseged, 1981). The species owes its reputation to its
versatility as it can be grown for grain, hay, silage or
direct grazing and is being used as feed for dairy cattle,
young stock, sheep and hogs (Kipps, 1970; Boonman,
1993). Moreover, it has superior recovery after grazing
and is highly useful for overcoming critical periods of
feed shortage or for finishing animals for market when
permanent pastures are of poor quality (Lovett and
Scott, 1997).
As other any food crop, seed rate has to be
determined and recommended for forage crops including
oat varieties. Seeding rate had been previously
recommended for oat varieties in Ethiopian highlands
(Astatke Haile, 1979). Seeding rate can be influenced by
the type and fertility of the soil, climate, establishment
methods (condition of seed bed and seeding method)
and the like. Using higher and lower seed rate could
have a negative impact on herbage and seed yield of
forage crops.
On the other hand fertilizer use is one of the important
factors, which contribute to the yield of any crop. Most
soils very in nutrients require by the plants such as
nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers. These conditions
vary greatly across the agro-ecological areas. The
response of fertilizer is very high in soil with very poor
soil and as the level of available soil nutrient increased
the need for fertilizer decreases. On the other hand as
stored soil moisture increases or growing season
precipitation increases, the need for additional fertilizer
increases. Fertilizer is not only contributes towards yield
and growth of forage but also quality. Higher fodder yield
with fertilizer application is due to their favorable effects
on plant water relations, light absorption, crop density,
plant height, leaf area and nutrient utilizations. The
applications of fertilizer improve the dry matter, seed
yield and quality of forage. However, the optimum rate of
fertilizer application is required to improve yields of the
crops. Hence, there is a need to determine an
appropriate level of fertilizer application especially in
soils deficient in the major macronutrients, nitrogen and
phosphorus. Therefore, this study was aimed to
determine optimum seed and fertilizer rate for fodder oat
varieties in Bale highlands.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental sites
The experiment was carried out from 20011 to 2012 at
three locations via, Sinana Agricultural Research Center
(SARC), Sinana on-farm (Selka) and Agarfa of Bale
highlands. Sinana Agricultural Research Center is found
at an altitude of 2400 m.a.s.l. The mean annual rainfall is
563-1018 mm with minimum and maximum temperature
of 7.9 and 24.3°C, respectively. The other experimental
sites Selka and Agarfa were with an altitude of 2400 –
2600 m.a.s.l, respectively. The farming systems of the
area are classified as a mixed cereal-livestock
production system. The soil types of the study area are
mainly clay in texture (dark brown Vertisols) with slightly
acidic reaction (SARC, 2008). There are two distinct
seasons ‘Ganna’ (extending from March to July) and
‘Bona’ (extending from July to December) which are
allows double cropping. Bimodal rainfall condition is a
common phenomenon, especially in the study sites.
Experimental arrangement
Oat variety (Bonsa) which was recently released from
Sinana Agricultura Research Center was used for the
trial. The trial was carried in factorial RCBD with three
replications with seed rates of 60, 70, 80 and 90 kg/ha
as main plot treatments and fertilizer rates of 0, 23, 46
and 69 kg/ha of N and P2O5 as sub plot treatments.
Sowing was made by drilling the seeds in rows on 1.8 m
x 2 m plots spaced 0.5 m apart. All the plots were hand
weeded once a month after sowing and thereafter as
required based on occurrence of weeds.
Data collection
The variety was closely examined beginning from the
early vegetative growth and a reliable record such as
disease occurrence, stand percentage, plant height,
forage biomass yield, leaf to stem ratio and seed yield
was taken.
Statistical analysis
Analysis of variance was performed using the statistical
analysis system (SAS) software (SAS, 2001) in order to
determine the agronomic difference between different
level of seed and fertilizer rate and mean separation was
carried out using Least Significant different (LSD) test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The combined statistical analysis showed that
differences in seed and fertilizer level had significant
(P<0.05) effect on considered agronomic and yield
parameters. DM yield, seed yield, plant height and
standing percentage and leave to stem ration were
significantly (P<0.05) varied among different seed rate
and fertilizer rate combination.
75. Dawit and Wegi
Table 1: Mean agronomic and yield performance of fodder oat under different seed and fertilizer rate combined over locations from 2011 to
2012
PH=Plant Height, SP= Stand Percentage, DM= Dry Matter, SY= Seed Yield, CV= Coefficient of Variation, LSD=Least Significance
Difference. Figures with the same letters in columns are not significantly different (P>0.05).
The DM yield of fodder oat increased with increasing
level of fertilizer. The highest value (15.0 t/ha) was
obtained at seed rate of 80kg/ha and at the higher
fertilizer level. This could be due to the more
competitiveness of oats with weeds at the higher
seeding rate. Moreover, these fertilizers promote
vigorous plant growth and a larger leaf area that
contribute to the dry matter yield of the fodder oat.
Similarly, the increasing trend of green forage yield in
response to increasing level of N fertilization was also
observed by many other workers (Sultana et al., 2005;
Khan et al., 1996). However, the DM yield is not
significantly differ at seed rate of 80 and 90 kg/ha. At the
higher levels of fertilizer application, the DM contents did
not increase significantly. It indicated that there is no
significant difference in DM yield of fertilizer application
of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP and the highest level
which is 75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP. However, seeding
rate and application of fertilizer above optimum level
often produce no additional yield. Moreover, higher
fertilizer rates result in higher lodging. Hence, there is no
need to go for higher seed rate and fertilizer level.
The highest seed yield (44.8Q/ha) was obtained at
seed rate of 70kg/ha and fertilizer rate of 50kg UREA
and 100 kg DAP, while the lowest seed yield 36.8Q/ha
was obtained at seed rate of 80kg/ha without fertilizer. A
modest increase in seed yield occurred with an
increased seeding rate up to 70kg/ha with fertilizer level
of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. The increasing seeding
rates above 70kg/ha are more likely to reduce size and
quality of seed. The highest plant height (134.2cm) was
recorded at the higher fertilizer level with seed rate of 80
and 90 kg/ha respectively. The lowest plant height
(124.3 cm) was recorded at seed rate (80kg/ha) without
fertilizer application. Similar studies also indicated that
plant height increased with increasing seeding rate
indicating competition for light (Reddy and Reddi, 1992).
The better plant height might have contributed for better
forage yield of fodder oats. A crop provided enough of
plant nutrients to meet out its requirements is expected
to perform better than crop provided less than its
requirements. This study also indicated that application
of fertilizer showed significantly (P<0.05) higher plant
height than group having no fertilizer. Similarly, there
were significant differences with regards to standing
percentages and leaf to stem ratio among evaluated
Treatments
PH (cm)
SP (%)
leaf to stem
ratio
DM (t/ha)
SY (Q/ha)
Seed rate (kg/ha)
Fertilizer rate (kg/ha)
60
0
125.55cd
81.94bc
0.43b
11.4b
38.8ab
25kg UREA and 50 kg DAP
125.94bc
81.50bc
0.5ab
12.5 ab
39.9ab
50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP
128.78ab
80.22cd
0.53ab
12.7 ab
41.3ab
75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP
134.05a
83.39ab
0.56ab
12.7 ab
44.2a
70
0
129.50ab
82.5bcd
0.50ab
12.3 ab
38.0ab
25kg UREA and 50 kg DAP
128.67ab
81.94bc
0.53ab
12.7 ab
39.9ab
50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP
129.55ab
83.55ab
0.61ab
13.9 ab
44.8a
75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP
130.22ab
84.39ab
0.65a
13.5 ab
44.3a
80
0
124.33d
79.33d
0.60ab
12.7 ab
36.8b
25kg UREA and 50 kg DAP
131.05ab
83.72ab
0.53ab
12.9 ab
40.1ab
50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP
134.00a
84.67ab
0.6ab
14.8a
43.7ab
75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP
132.78ab
87.50a
0.63a
15.0a
44.1a
90
0
126.17bc
83.28ab
0.5ab
12.3 ab
38.5ab
25kg UREA and 50 kg DAP
128.44ab
84.55ab
0.53ab
13.7 ab
43.5ab
50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP
131.72ab
85.72ab
0.5ab
13.7 ab
43.5ab
75kg UREA and 150 kg DAP
134.22a
86.22a
0.66a
14.8a
43.9a
Mean
129.62
83.34
0.55
13.1
41.7
CV
8.25
8.53
18.2
21.17
25.6
Lsd
7.03
4.68
0.16
1.82
6.66
76. Int. J. Soil. Crop Sci.
seed and fertilizer rates. The maximum number of leaf to
stem ratio (0.65) was recorded for seed rate of 70 kg/ha
and the maximum fertilizer rate application. Even though
there are no very large differences among the different
treatments, leaf to stem ratio was increased for
treatments received fertilizer as compared to treatments
without fertilizer. This indicate that fertilizer contribute for
the increment of leaf area of fodder oats. On the other
hands, there is no significant differences in leaf to stem
ratio among the different seeding rate treatment that
received fertilizer. While, the least leaf to stem ratio was
recorded for the treatment with lower seed rate and
without fertilizer application (Table 1).
CONCLUSION
It is recognized that the level of fertilizer required
depends on the status of soil fertility, mineralization up
potential of the soil, stored soil moisture, previous
cropping and manuring history of soil. Hence, the need
for fertilizing soil is very high in a continuous cereal
cropping like Bale highlands. As observed from the
result seeding rates and addition of fertilizer at different
levels have great impact on the yield and agronomic
parameters of fodder oats. However, seeding rate and
application of fertilizer above optimum level often
produce no additional yield. Therefore, it is important to
have the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level for
producing reasonable DM and seed yield of fodder oats.
Hence, the optimum seed rate and fertilizer level to get
reasonable DM yield will be at seed rate of 80 kg/ha and
at fertilizer level of 50kg UREA and 100 kg DAP. While if
the target is for forage seed production, seed rate of
70kg/ha with fertilizer rate of 50kg UREA and 100 kg
DAP is very optimum to farmers in order to obtain
maximum forage production.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thanks the technical staff of
Animal Feeds and Nutrition Research Case Team of
Sinana Agricultural Research Center for their
involvement in data collection and compilation. The
financial support provided by Oromia Agricultural
Research Institute (OARI) is also dully acknowledged.
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Boonman JG (1993). East Africa’s Grasses and Fodders: Their
Ecology and Husbandry. Kluwer Academic Publisher, the
Netherlands.
Daniel Keftasa (1990). Effect of management practices on
Rhodes grass and lucerne pastures with special references
to developmental stages at cutting and associated changes
in nutritional quality. Proceedings of the first workshop on
utilization of research results on forage and agricultural by-
product materials as animal feed resources in Africa, held in
Lilongwe, Malawi, 5-9 December 1988.
Khan MJ, Shajalal M, Sarkar AR (1996). Yield, chemical
composition and nutritive value of oat (Avena sativa) fodder
at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer. Bangladesh J. Anim.
Sci., 25(1-2):109-115
Lulseged G Hiwot (1981). Summary of fodder oats research
undertaken by IAR. Pasture and fodder forage bulletin no. 2,
IAR, Addis Ababa.
Lovett JV, Scott JM (1997). Pasture production and
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Sultana MN, Khan MJ, Khandaker ZH, Uddin MM (2005).
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... Like in other tropical countries, in Ethiopia, most of the areas in the highlands of the country are nowadays put under cultivation of cash and food crops which resulted in keeping large number of livestock on limited grazing areas leading to overgrazing and poor productivity of livestock [4]. Though, expansion in the cultivation of cereal crops increased the supply of crop residues for animal feeding but, crop residues have low nutritive value and could not support reasonable animal productivity [5]. Hence, shortage of nutrients for livestock is increasingly becoming serious issue in Ethiopia. ...
... One of the alternatives to improve livestock feeding, and thereby enhance productivity of livestock is through the cultivation of improved forages and offer them to animals during critical periods in their production cycle and when other sources of feeds are in short supply [2]. The use of cultivated forage crops has received considerable attention for complementing the conventional feed resources especially in areas where feed shortage is the main constraint for livestock productivity [2,5]. From the forage crops, due to short life cycle, suitability in crop rotations and better performance on marginal lands, oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important species for integration into the existing farming system [6]. ...
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... In most tropical countries, inadequate supply of feed is the bottleneck to livestock production [2]. This is due to the dependence of livestock on naturally available feed resources and little development of forage crops for feeding animals [5]. ...
... Like in other tropical countries, in Ethiopia, most of the areas in the highlands of the country are nowadays put under cultivation of cash and food crops which resulted in keeping large number of livestock on limited grazing areas leading to overgrazing and poor productivity of livestock [4]. Though, expansion in the cultivation of cereal crops increased the supply of crop residues for animal feeding but, crop residues have low nutritive value and could not support reasonable animal productivity [5]. Hence, shortage of nutrients for livestock is increasingly becoming serious issue in Ethiopia. ...
... One of the alternatives to improve livestock feeding, and thereby enhance productivity of livestock is through the cultivation of improved forages and offer them to animals during critical periods in their production cycle and when other sources of feeds are in short supply [2]. The use of cultivated forage crops has received considerable attention for complementing the conventional feed resources especially in areas where feed shortage is the main constraint for livestock productivity [2,5]. From the forage crops, due to short life cycle, suitability in crop rotations and better performance on marginal lands, oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important species for integration into the existing farming system [6]. ...
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... Despite the sizeable population and significant importance of livestock in Ethiopia, animal productivity is low due to different constraints like inadequate feed, widespread diseases, poor health care services, the poor genetic potential of indigenous animals, and lack of good husbandry practices [1,2] . Among the mentioned factors, the most limiting one is a shortage of feed in terms of quantity and quality [2] , and for the sustainable solution to seasonal deficiencies in feed availability and quality, the growing of improved forage varieties through the cultivation of improved forages and offer them to animals during critical periods in their production cycle and when other sources of feeds are in short supply has received considerable attention for complementing the conventional feed resources, especially in areas where feed shortage is the main constraint for livestock productivity [3,4] . Among the improved forage crops, Brachiaria grass is an important species to integrate into the existing farming system due to its adaptation to many soil types [5] , resistance to many diseases [6,7] , withstands heavy grazing, and sequesters carbon through its large roots system with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and minimize greenhouse gas emissions [8,9] . ...
... The productivity of the forage crops can be influenced by many factors like plant species [11] , stage of growth [12] , fertilizer [13,14] , harvesting stage [13] , and fertilizer levels and harvesting ~ 191 ~ stage are key factors, which contribute to the morphological characteristics, yield, and quality of forage grasses. These conditions vary greatly across agro-ecological areas [3] . Higher fodder yield with fertilizer application is due to their favorable effects on plant water relations, light absorption, crop density, plant height, leaf area, and nutrient utilization [15] . ...
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... Despite the sizeable population and significant importance of livestock in Ethiopia, animal productivity is low due to different constraints like inadequate feed, widespread diseases, poor health care services, the poor genetic potential of indigenous animals, and lack of good husbandry practices [1,2] . Among the mentioned factors, the most limiting one is a shortage of feed in terms of quantity and quality [2] , and for the sustainable solution to seasonal deficiencies in feed availability and quality, the growing of improved forage varieties through the cultivation of improved forages and offer them to animals during critical periods in their production cycle and when other sources of feeds are in short supply has received considerable attention for complementing the conventional feed resources, especially in areas where feed shortage is the main constraint for livestock productivity [3,4] . Among the improved forage crops, Brachiaria grass is an important species to integrate into the existing farming system due to its adaptation to many soil types [5] , resistance to many diseases [6,7] , withstands heavy grazing, and sequesters carbon through its large roots system with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and minimize greenhouse gas emissions [8,9] . ...
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Article
Full-text available
Green forage is an excellent feed source for livestock. It is an integral part of livestock production to accomplish the demands for butter, milk, and other derivatives for human utilization. Livestock contributes 11.39% towards the gross domestic product of Pakistan and 58.33% in agricultural farming. Livestock face shortage or insufficient supply of green fodder during the winter season, which ultimately reduces milk yield. Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a major forage crop in the winter season; however, several biotic and abiotic factors negatively affect its yields. Low soil fertility, particularly nitrogen deficiency, is regarded as one of the few reasons responsible for the low forage yield of oat. Low organic matter content in the soil, suboptimal agronomic practices, and harsh climatic conditions are the other major reasons for low oat yield. Seed rate and different nitrogen rates significantly alter green forage yield and quality of oat. This study assessed the impact of different seeding densities and nitrogen (N) doses on the forage yield of oat. Three seeding densities (70, 80, and 90 kg ha-1) and five N doses (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha-1) were included in the study. The interactive effect of seeding density and N doses significantly altered green forage yield and quality attributes of oat. The highest green forage yield (54.67 t ha-1) was noted for the interaction among 90 kg seed rate ha-1 and 160 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest germination count (140 m-2), number of tillers (5.97 m-2), plant height (122.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (24.50 m-2), leaf area per tiller (123.18 cm 2), fresh weight (5.47 kg m-2), dry weight (1692 g m-2), dry matter yield (20.90 t ha-1), crude protein (10.54%), crude fiber (31.62%), and total ash (9.39%) were recorded for the interactive effect of 90 kg seed rate ha-1 and 160 kg N ha-1. Economic analysis revealed that interaction between 90 kg seed rate ha-1 with 120 and 160 kg N ha-1 was superior to others with higher benefit: cost ratio and net economic returns. It is recommended that the oat seed rate of forage oat crop must be kept at 90 kg ha-1 and it should be supplied 120 kg N ha-1 for higher yield, better quality, and more economic returns.
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... Maximum plant height was observed at 100 Kg N/ha. An increase in plant height with N fertilization was observed in maize (PaschalidisX et al.,2015 andSharma et al., 2016), oats (Dawit and Wegi 2014) and rice (Mizanet al.,2010). Several other researchers also found positive relation of N fertilization with plant height (Dubey et al.2013, Shahin et al.,2013, Oadet al.,2004and Gasim, 2001 (Amin and Hasan, 2011). ...
... An increase in L/S with N application upto 80 Kg N/ha and then decrease at 120 kg N/ha in fodder oats (Luikhamet al., 2012). Similar results were reported in oats (Dawit and Wegi, 2014) and fodder maize (Sharma et al., 2016 andGasim, 2001). Among genotypes, mean values showed maximum leaf/stem was in OL-9 (0.66) and Kent (0.66). ...
Effect of growth stages and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of fodder oats (Avena sativa L.)
Article
  • Jan 2017
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality parameters of oats (Avena sativa L.) at forage research farm in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Four different nitrogen levels viz. 0 (control), 50, 75 (recommended) and 100 Kg N/hawere applied in the form of urea. Samples were collected at three different growth stages i.e. 30, 45 and 60 DAS. As the growth of plant continued decrease in total nitrogen (45%), non protein nitrogen (37%), ether extract (13%), ash content (24%) and digestibility (23%) was observed. But increase in free amino acids (48%) and cell wall constituents i.e. ADF (19%), NDF (31%) and CF (34%)with plant's growth was reported. The interactive effect of varying levels of inorganic fertilizer application on the chemical composition of the plant at various growth stages revealed an increase in total nitrogen (18%), non protein nitrogen (26%), ether extract (18%), free amino acids (32%), ash content (13%) and digestibility (7%) with increase in fertilizer level however ADF (7%), NDF (2%) and CF (3%)content decreased with increased levels of nitrogen fertilization.Correlation studies showed that significant negative correlation was present forin vitro dry matter digestibility with acid detergent fiber (r=-.861**), neutral detergent fiber (r=-.891**) and crude fiber (r=-.740**) at recommended dose of N fertilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of nitrogen fertilization at different growth stages on quality components in oats fodder.
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... Maximum plant height was observed at 100 Kg N/ha. An increase in plant height with N fertilization was observed in maize (PaschalidisX et al.,2015 andSharma et al., 2016), oats (Dawit and Wegi 2014) and rice (Mizanet al.,2010). Several other researchers also found positive relation of N fertilization with plant height (Dubey et al.2013, Shahin et al.,2013, Oadet al.,2004and Gasim, 2001 (Amin and Hasan, 2011). ...
... An increase in L/S with N application upto 80 Kg N/ha and then decrease at 120 kg N/ha in fodder oats (Luikhamet al., 2012). Similar results were reported in oats (Dawit and Wegi, 2014) and fodder maize (Sharma et al., 2016 andGasim, 2001). Among genotypes, mean values showed maximum leaf/stem was in OL-9 (0.66) and Kent (0.66). ...
Effect of growth stages and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of fodder oats (Avena sativa L.)
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2017
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality parameters of oats (Avena sativa L.) at forage research farm in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Four different nitrogen levels viz. 0 (control), 50, 75 (recommended) and 100 Kg N/ha were applied in the form of urea. Samples were collected at three different growth stages i.e. 30, 45 and 60 DAS. As the growth of plant continued decrease in total nitrogen (45%), non protein nitro-gen (37%), ether extract (13%), ash content (24%) and digestibility (23%) was observed. But increase in free amino acids (48%) and cell wall constituents i.e. ADF (19%), NDF (31%) and CF (34%)with plant’s growth was reported. The interactive effect of varying levels of inorganic fertilizer application on the chemical composition of the plant at various growth stages revealed an increase in total nitrogen (18%), non protein nitrogen (26%), ether extract (18%), free amino acids (32%), ash content (13%) and digestibility (7%) with increase in fertilizer level however ADF (7%), NDF (2%) and CF (3%)content decreased with increased levels of nitrogen fertilization. Correlation studies showed that significant negative correlation was present forin vitro dry matter digestibility with acid detergent fiber (r= -.861**), neutral detergent fiber (r= -.891**) and crude fiber (r= -.740**) at recommended dose of N fertilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of nitrogen fertilization at different growth stages on quality components in oats fodder.
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... Parallel observations were disclosed by Godara et al. (2016). Comparable observations were also revealed by (Luikham et al. 2012), (Dawit and Wegi 2014) in fodder oat and (Gasim, 2001 andSharma et al. 2016) in fodder maize. In general, nitrogen influenced leaf area and chlorophyll content, which in turn served to increase photosynthetic activity and finally resulted in improved oat crop growth. ...
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... Parallel observations were disclosed by Godara et al. (2016). Comparable observations were also revealed by (Luikham et al. 2012), (Dawit and Wegi 2014) in fodder oat and (Gasim, 2001 andSharma et al. 2016) in fodder maize. In general, nitrogen influenced leaf area and chlorophyll content, which in turn served to increase photosynthetic activity and finally resulted in improved oat crop growth. ...
IMPACT OF GENOTYPES AND NITROGEN LEVELS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FODDER OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.)
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
genotypes under varying nitrogen levels on growth and yield of fodder oat (Avena sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with six genotypes in main plots (Kent, JO-07-28, OS-403, OS-6, HFO-904 and HFO-906) and three nitrogen levels (40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1) in sub-plots with three replications. Results revealed that growth attributes, i.e., plant height (163.3 cm) of HFO-906, number of tillers (122.3) of HFO-904, dry matter accumulation (219.2 g) of JO-07-28, SPAD reading (46.6) of Kent and number of green leaves (3.7) of Kent, JO-07-28 and HFO-904, were found to be higher over the rest of the genotypes. Genotype JO-07-28 outperformed the other genotypes in terms of green fodder yield (39.6 t/ha) and dry matter yield (8.8 t/ha). The leaf to stem ratio was recorded as significantly higher in HFO-904 (0.49) than in the remaining genotypes. Result indicated that plant height, number of tillers per meter row length, dry matter accumulation, and SPAD reading were recorded highest with the application of 120 kg N/ha, which were statistically at par with the application of 80 kg N/ha, except in SPAD reading. Maximum green fodder (37.1 t/ha) and dry matter yield (9.1 t/ha) and leaf to stem ratio (0.41) were registered at 120 kg N/ha, which were statistically on par with the application of 80 kg N/ha.
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... Similarly, Byamungu and Jo (2018) reported a linear increase in grain yield as the seed rate increased from 100 to 160 kg/ha. In Ethiopia, Dawit and Teklu (2014) reported the highest seed yield (4.48 t/ha) at a seed rate of 70 kg/ha and fertilizer rates of 50 kg Urea/ha and 100 kg DAP/ha for the production of fodder oats in the highlands of Bale, suggesting that the higher fertilizer rates could result in higher lodging of oat plants and also increasing seeding rates above 70 kg/ha are more likely to reduce the size and quality of seed. Therefore, for higher yields and quality of oats, optimizing seeding rate and nutrient management (N and P fertilizer rate) should be considered as important factors when growing food oats. ...
Spatial Mixed Model Analysis in Varietal Selection Field Trials
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2022
Spatial variation is common in varietal selection field trials and is a central problem confronting a plant breeder when comparing the varieties' genetic potential. If spatial variability is not taken into account, it can strongly bias variety estimates and result in large standard errors. There have been many methods developed for accounting for spatial variation. Of these, the spatial mixed model approach proposed by Gilmour et al. (1997) has received particular attention as it simultaneously considers three types of spatial variation to be modeled: local, global, and extraneous variations. Despite the recommendations by several authors, spatial mixed model techniques are not widely used in the crop variety evaluation program as a routine data analysis platform. We present a spatial mixed model analysis using field trials from Ethiopia. Results of spatial analysis are compared to that of randomized complete block (RCB) analysis. The investigated spatial mixed models show better data fitting, resulting in a smaller error variance than that of RCB model analysis and a substantial improvement in heritability. Thus, spatial mixed models must be routinely employed in analyzing field trials to accurately and efficiently select superior varieties that contribute to agricultural productivity.
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East Africa’s grasses and fodders: Their ecology and husbandry
Book
  • Jan 1993
Series Editor's Preface. List of Herbage Species. 1. Introduction. 2. History of Grassland Development (1900-1970). 3. The Grassland Environment. 4. Husbandry of Natural Grassland. 5. From Shifting Cultivation to Crop-Grass Rotations. 6. Species of Cultivated Grasses. 7. The Establishment and Husbandry of Sown Grasses. 8. Grass Seed Production in Kenya. 9. Grass Breeding at Kitale. 10. Legumes for Sown Pastures. 11. Elephant Grass: General Characteristics. 12. Elephant Grass Husbandry. 13. Elephant Grass Utilization. 14. Alternative Fodder Grasses. 15. Grass Sorghum. 16. Fodder Oats. 17. Lucerne. 18. Other (Non-Graminaceous) Fodder Crops. 19. Hay and Silage. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
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Forage Crops and Pasture Management in the Highlands of Ethiopia
  • Jan 1979
  • Astatke Haile
Astatke Haile (1979). Forage Crops and Pasture Management in the Highlands of Ethiopia. Forage and Range Bulletin No. 2: IAR (Institute of Agricultural Research), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Effect of management practices on Rhodes grass and lucerne pastures with special references to developmental stages at cutting and associated changes in nutritional quality
  • Jan 1988
  • 5-9
  • Daniel Keftasa
Daniel Keftasa (1990). Effect of management practices on Rhodes grass and lucerne pastures with special references to developmental stages at cutting and associated changes in nutritional quality. Proceedings of the first workshop on utilization of research results on forage and agricultural byproduct materials as animal feed resources in Africa, held in Lilongwe, Malawi, 5-9 December 1988.
Yield, chemical composition and nutritive value of oat (Avena sativa) fodder at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer
  • Jan 1996
  • 109-115
  • M J Khan
  • M Shajalal
  • A R Sarkar
Khan MJ, Shajalal M, Sarkar AR (1996). Yield, chemical composition and nutritive value of oat (Avena sativa) fodder at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer. Bangladesh J. Anim. Sci., 25(1-2):109-115
Summary of fodder oats research undertaken by IAR
  • Jan 1981
  • G Lulseged
  • Hiwot
Lulseged G Hiwot (1981). Summary of fodder oats research undertaken by IAR. Pasture and fodder forage bulletin no. 2, IAR, Addis Ababa.
Pasture production and management
  • Jan 1997
  • J V Lovett
  • J M Scott
Lovett JV, Scott JM (1997). Pasture production and management. Inkata Press, Melbourne, Australia.
Effects of Rhizobium inoculum and nitrogen fertilizer on biomass production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forage at different stages of maturity
  • Jan 2005
  • 249-255
  • M N Sultana
  • M J Khan
  • Z H Khandaker
  • M M Uddin
Sultana MN, Khan MJ, Khandaker ZH, Uddin MM (2005). Effects of Rhizobium inoculum and nitrogen fertilizer on biomass production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forage at different stages of maturity. Bangladesh J. Agri. Univ., 3(2):249-255.