Effect of nitrogen, sowing methods and cutting regimes on pearlmillet forage and seed yield and quality

Abstract

A field trial was carried out to determine the effect of nitrogen levels (zero, 100 and 200 kg N/ha), sowing methods (broadcast, in rows 0.50 m, and 1.00 m apart) and cutting regimes (clipped twice, three and four times) on pearlmillet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) forage and seed yield and quality, in order to determine an optimized double-use (forage + seed) system for this summer annual forage grass. Nitrogen fertilization increased forage dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and seed yields, as well as forage CP and seed vigor. Seeding in rows showed the highest DM, CP and seed yield as compared to broadcast; no differences on three parameters were found between rows 0.50 m and 1.00 m apart. Cutting vegetative forage twice, three or four times progressively increased DM and CP yields. However, seed yield decreased with increasing cutting frequency. Cutting regimes did not affect seed physiological quality. Based on the results, it is suggested to seed in rows 0.50 m apart, fertilize with 200 kg N/ha and clipping forage twice at the vegetative stage as the best combination of the factors studied.