Forage Crops and Their Management Notes

Foreword

Forage crops are vital for livestock farming systems.
Green fodder availability is crucial for livestock productivity and profitability.
Fodder accounts for about 60% of milk production costs.
The Division of Crop Production at IGFRI focuses on developing techniques for forage crops.
The bulletin aims to fill knowledge gaps in fodder production techniques across agroecoregions.

Preface

India has 15% of the world's livestock on only 2% of the land, placing immense pressure on resources.
Cultivated fodder area has remained static at approximately 8.4 million hectares for two decades.
Improved techniques are necessary to catalyze vertical increases in fodder production.
The country faces a substantial deficit in green fodder (61.1%), dry crop residues (21.9%), and feeds (64%).
Education on production packages for forage crops is essential for improving yields and soil fertility.
The bulletin contains details on annual and perennial forage crops suitable for diverse agro-climatic conditions.
Each crop is covered with details on sowing techniques, varieties, nutrient management, and harvesting techniques.

Introduction

Despite the static area under cultivated fodder (8.4 million hectares), demand grows due to a rising livestock population.
The gap between demand and supply for green fodder is significant and anticipated to worsen.
Green fodders enhance livestock profitability, emphasizing the need for quality fodder.
Availability of diverse forage species allows for various management strategies to maximize productivity.
The guide focuses on Kharif and Rabi season crops to meet the overall needs for livestock production.

Non-leguminous Cultivated Crops: Seasonal Forages

Sorghum

Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.
Importance: Major forage crop, palatable, can be harvested as green, dry, silage, or hay.
Nutritional Content: Average 9-10% crude protein; stover contains 6.0-6.4% crude protein.
Soil Requirements: Best in well-drained sandy loam to loam soils with pH 6.5-7.5.
Sowing Time: June-July for monsoon, March-April for irrigated areas.
Seed Rate: 35-40 kg/ha for bold seeded, 25-30 kg/ha for Sudan varieties.
Nutrient Management: Requires FYM and specific NPK ratios based on type and cuts.
Water Management: Depends on rainfall, requires irrigation based on growth stage.
Weed and Pest Management: Effective weed control through manual weeding or herbicides, insect pests managed through healthy seeds.
Harvesting: At 60-75 days after sowing; count intervals based on cut type.

Pearl Millet

Botanical Name: Pennisetum glaucum L.
Nutritional Content: 7-10% crude protein; performs well in drought-prone areas.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soils, sensitive to water stagnation.
Sowing Time: Early April for summer, July for monsoon cropping.
Seed Rate: 10-12 kg/ha in rows 25 cm apart.
Nutrient Management: FYM application beneficial, NPK ratios vary based on conditions.
Water Management: Requires irrigation based on soil conditions and rainfall.
Disease Management: Seed treatment recommended for diseases; pest control relies on healthy plants.
Harvesting Management: First cut 55-60 days after sowing.

Maize

Botanical Name: Zea mays L.
Nutritional Content: Quick growth with 9-10% crude protein; high digestibility.
Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy soil, susceptible to waterlogging.
Sowing Time: February-March for summer; June for rainy season.
Seed Rate: 40-50 kg/ha depending on seed size.
Nutrient Management: FYM and NPK application based on crop stage.
Water Management: Sensitive to moisture stress, requires multiple irrigations.
Harvesting Management: Best harvested at silk to early-dough stage.

Teosinte

Botanical Name: Euchlaena mexicana.
Growing Conditions: Thrives in humid tropical climates, requires moist soils.
Yield Potential: Profuse tillering, suitable for diverse growth conditions.
Nutrient Management: Similar to other cereal crops, specific NPK needs at planting.
Water Management: Irrigation may be needed during dry spells.
Harvesting Management: Multi-cut harvesting approach recommended.

Job's Tear

Botanical Name: Coix lacryma Jobi.
Growth Preferences: Grows well in warm, moist conditions; excellent for low-lying areas.
Yield Potential: Can yield 400-450 q/ha green forage.
Nutrient Management: Requires high-quality, nutrient-rich soil; NPK application recommended.
Water Management: May need irrigation in prolonged dry spells, tolerant of submergence.
Harvesting Management: First cut at 45 days; further cuts every 30 days.

Dinanath Grass

Botanical Name: Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.
Growth Characteristics: Fast-growing, nutritious with good palatability.
Yield Potential: 30-35 t/ha green biomass under optimal conditions.
Nutrient Management: Basal application N-P ratio required; below 15 kg N recommended for better yield.
Water Management: Needs well-moistened soil for establishment; irrigation may be necessary during drought.
Harvesting Management: Successful harvesting twice per season recommended.

Oats

Botanical Name: Avena sativa L.
Nutritional Content: 10-11.5% crude protein, important for winter fodder.
Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy soil with good drainage; can tolerate moderate salinity.
Sowing Time: Best sown from October to November.
Seed Rate: 80-100 kg/ha recommended.
Nutrient Management: Manured with substantial FYM prior to sowing; NPK ratios adjusted based on cutting frequency.
Water Management: Requires multiple irrigations, especially early in the growing cycle.
Harvesting Management: Timing is critical based on growth stages to maximize yield.

Non-Leguminous Cultivated Crops: Perennial Forages

Napier-Bajra Hybrid

Botanical Name: Pennisetum glaucum x P. purpureum.
Importance: High herbage yield and palatability.
Yield Potential: Up to 450 t/ha under optimal conditions.
Nutrient Management: Heavy nutrient requirements, particularly N, P, K.
Water Management: Regular irrigation during essential growth periods; occasionally tolerates drought.
Harvesting Management: Cuts taken every 25-30 days for maximum yield.

Guinea Grass

Botanical Name: Panicum maximum Jacq.
Growth Conditions: Suited for areas with high rainfall and deep, well-drained soils.
Yield Potential: Yields up to 200 t/ha in highly favorable conditions.
Nutrient Management: Requires careful management of NPK ratios.
Water Management: Needs good irrigation management, especially during dry spells.
Harvesting Management: First cut should occur every 60-65 days; regular intervals thereafter for quality forage.

Setaria Grass

Botanical Name: Seteria sphacelata Stapf.
Growth Preferences: Thrives in moderate temperatures and tolerates frost.
Nutritional Value: Provides nutritious fodder; excellent for silage.
Yield Potential: 50-70 t/ha green biomass.
Water management: Requires moisture but is semi-drought resistant; irrigation needed during flowering.
Harvesting Management: Regular every 25-30 days for sustainable yields.

Para Grass

Botanical Name: Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf.
Importance: Grows well in moist conditions; used for grazing and silage.
Nutritional Value: High palatability makes it attractive for livestock.
Water Management: Requires a moist, well-drained environment to thrive.
Harvesting Management: Taken at intervals of 30-35 days for optimal yield.

Leguminous Cultivated Forage Crops

Cowpea

Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata L.
Nutritional Content: High protein content of 20-24%; good for mixed cropping.
Sowing Time: Sown from March to July depending on the region.
Seed Rate: Recommended at 35-40 kg/ha.
Nutrient Management: Utilizes atmospheric nitrogen, requiring minimal external inputs.
Water Management: Irrigation only required in dry conditions.
Harvesting Management: First cut at 50-60 days after sowing.

Cluster Bean

Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonaloba L. Taub
Importance: Drought resistant and high protein content of 17-20%.
Sowing Time: March-April for summer; June-July for rainy season.
Seed Rate: 30-35 kg/ha in rows 25-30 cm apart.
Nutrient Management: Minimal nitrogen required; benefits from P and K.
Water Management: Requires few irrigations unless under prolonged drought.
Harvesting Management: Taken at bloom to pod formation stage.

Ricebean

Botanical Name: Vigna umbellata.
Significance: A valuable crop for small-scale farmers due to its drought resilience and nitrogen-fixing capability.
Seed Rate: 30-35 kg/ha, usually mixed with other crops.
Nutrient Management: Requesting regular monitoring of N, P, K ratios.
Harvesting Management: Mature when pods are immature for maximum quality fodder.

Lathyrus

Botanical Name: Lathyrus sativa.
Importance: Performs well under residual soil moisture conditions and enriches soil.
Sowing: Usually sown in October-November; suitable for mixed cropping.
Harvesting Management: First cut at 50% flowering stage for maximum quality.

Egyptian Clover

Botanical Name: Trifolium alexandrinum L.
Significance: Known as "King of fodder crops"; high yields in winter and early spring.
Nutritional Content: 17-22% crude protein.
Sowing Time: Best sown between October and December depending on region.
Harvesting Management: Multiple cuts possible from November to May.

Lucerne

Botanical Name: Medicago sativa L.
Nutritional Content: 15% crude protein; beneficial for longer growing periods and higher quality feed.
Sowing Time: Best sown between September and December.
Nutrient Management: Benefits from FYM application and responds well to additional nutrients.
Harvesting Management: Highest yields occur with proper management; often taken 8-10 times per year.