Effect of pasture type, phosphorus levels and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on forage productivity under agroforestry system in semi-arid regions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of pasture type, phosphorus levels and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on forage biomass and quality under agroforestry system in semi-arid conditions during kharif seasons. The result revealed that dry matter accumulation of lablab bean at 60 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR) from 30 to 45 DAS, dry fodder yield (DFY) of lablab bean and total biomass production were recorded significantly higher when lablab bean was sown with cenchrus grass in alternate paired rows, however, protein yield was estimated to be at par among types of pasture. Growth parameters of lablab bean viz. fresh and dry weight per plant at 60 DAS, CGR (30-45 DAS), number and dry weight of nodules per plant at 45 DAS and quality parameters viz. leaf and stem N- content, dry fodder yield of lablab bean, total biomass, average CP content and protein yield increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus from 20 to 60 Kg P2O5/ha. Positive and significant correlation between total protein yield and CP content (r= 0.53 * ), and biomass production (r=0.64 * * ) was observed. Total biomass production was significantly increased to extent of 9.09 per cent due to PSB inoculation and estimated protein yield was observed to be higher by 10.42 per cent with PSB inoculation as compared to without inoculation.