PJB-2017-817
FORAGE PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF OAT (Avena sativa L.) GROWN IN ASSOCIATION WITH CANOLA (Brassica napus L.) UNDER VARIABLE SEED PROPORTIONS
Asif Iqbal
Abstract
Optimization of proportionate share of component crops in mixed intercropping systems is vital for achieving the added advantage of component crops. This field study aimed to investigate the fodder production potential of oat sown in mixtures with canola under different seed blending ratios during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Different seed proportions of oat and canola included 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 50:50% of their recommended seed rate, while pure stands of oat and canola were kept for comparison. The experimental variables of oat witnessed a significant (P≤0.05) reduction in mixed intercropping systems in comparison with its mono culture. Green forage yield and dry matter biomass of oat and canola were recorded to be decreased with the decrease of their seed proportions in mixtures. However, the maximum productivity (P≤0.01) of overall intercropping systems () was noted for oat and canola sown in 60:40 seed blending ratio, which was closely followed by seed blended crop of oat-canola in 80:20 seed proportion. The crude protein (P≤0.01) and total ash (P≤0.05) content of mixed forage were increased with increasing seedling density of canola in mixtures, while the pure stand of canola was instrumental in yielding the highest quality forage. However owing to higher productivity (19%) than mono cropping, seed blended crop of oat and canola in 60:40 seed proportion may be preferred.
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