Response of Forage Sorghum (cv. CSV 21F) to Seed Rate and Fertilizer Level

A field experiment was conducted at Dry Farming Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Targhadia (Dist: Rajkot, Gujarat) during kharif seasons of 2009–2012 to determine the effect of seed rate (three levels: 40, 50 and 60 kg/ha and fertilizer levels (three: 60: 30, 80: 40 and 100: 50NP kg/ha) fertilizer dose for getting maximum fodder yield of sorghum CSV 21F. Increase in seed rate significantly decreased the number of leaves per plant, length of leaves and leaves breadth. Green and dry fodder yield increased significantly with an increase in seed rate (40 to 60 kg/ha). Plant height, number of leaves per plant, length and breadth of the leaves as well as green and dry fodder yield recorded a marked increase with increase in fertilizer levels from 60: 30, 80: 40 and 100: 50 NP kg/ha. Higher values of crude protein and fiber contents in the fodder of sorghum were recorded with lower seed rate and also with NP fertilizers at the rate of 100: 50 kg/ha. Application of NP fertilizer significantly enhanced the status of available N, P2O5 and K2O in the soil at harvest of crops. The results revealed that a seed rate of 40 kg/ha and application of 100: 50 NP kg/ha may be used for realizing palatable and higher yield of kharif fodder sorghum.