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INDIANGRASSLANDAND FODDERRESEARCHINSTITUTE,JHANSI.
9'. 11
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1. Introduction:
Historical:
Spora~ic research work on grasses and fodder crops bas beengoing on in tbe country for the last several decades. Preliminarystudies on the subject were initiated in tbe former Bombay Stateas early as the close of the nineteenth Century. Similar workwas taken up in Madras, the former Ceutral Provinces, Bengal,Punjab, as also at the Indian (them Imperial) AgriemltumlResearch Institute. 'I'he Indian (then Imperial) Council ofResearch, estnbl ishad on the recommendation of the RoyalCommission on Ag ricu lture in India (1928'l!') stimulated widerinterest in the subject by finnncing research schemes all thesubject. Schemes 011 fodders and grasses have been in progressin recent years at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute(New Delhi), Hfljen(]rnnagfl,r (Audhra Pradesh). Dumraou(Hi liar), Coi mbntore Oln,d I'f\,f::), Poonn (M a.hnrn.shtrs.), 1\1 audynand Dliarwn.r (;\Iysnl'f~) and Huri nghatn ('iNest Bengal), Pn lu.m pur(I'unj:l,b), Anand (Gllja,rnt), Bangn.lore (l\Iysol'P). Animal nutrition studies have a.lao besn underway a,t I V HI (17.f1,tll:l,gar).illathum (D. P.) anrl N.D.rLI. (Karnal) as Depa.rtmenba] activity.
Although useful results emerged from these studies andsome promising gmRses and fodder were selected and introducedin cu lti vators fields, these studies generally remained restrictedin scope and un-oo-ordinated. For exa.mple, studies on improvement through hybridisation, on nutritive value of fodders and onseed production received i nndsq uate attention, and little workwas done on grassland management and forage conservation.Recognition of the importance of grasses and fodders in theagricultural economy of the country, the widening gap betweensupply and demand of forage necessary for animal production, thelimitations of the previous studies, the diversity and the complexity of the problems, and the inadequacy of the exisiting
"Government of India (1928). Abridged Report of Hoyn.1Commission on agriculture in India, presided over byLord Linlitbgsnv. Go vt. Central Press, Bombay.
2
organisation undertaking such studies as a subsidiary aotivity,led to the reali sation of the need for the establishment of theIndian Grasslnnd and Fodder Research Institute. The schemefor the establishment of the Institute. with its net work ofregional stations and sub- centres, was thus prepared for inclusionin the Third Five Year Piau. The Scheme was approved by thePlanning Commiseion in .Iuly, 1961, at an estimated cost of Rs.
4i1 la.k hs in the 'I'hird Plnn period. It was envisaged that theI nstitute with its regional stations ar.d sub-centres should cnrry
out research on al l aspects of tlie production and ntil isa.tion ofgnl.SSCS and fodders, lind co-ordinnte studies and initiate trainingprogrumme on the subject.
Shri P. M. Dabadghno W!l,S appointed Special Officer forfor taking necessary ad vance action for the establishment of theInstitute. He joined on November 1, 1962. An area of 14S:l1
acres (575 ha.), situated at a distance of about B Ian. from .Ihnnsitown on .Ihansi-Gwn.lior Road at the Livestock-cum Agricn ltu rnl
Fnrm, Bharari (Jhansi), was acquired from the U. P. StateGovernment, on December '24, 1962. N uclens staff comprisi ngof EQologist, Farm Superintendent, and anci llary field and ministerial staff were added during 1963 to 1965. The Director of theInstitute joined on November 11, 1065.
As a necessary adjunct to the developrnen t of the farm
and to the under-taki ng of research prognlmme, action was i nitinot,eel on con LOtiI' survey, soil ana soil-fertility survey aud vegetation survey, lLS also for the establishment of an agri-rneteorological observatory. After the procurement of herbage material,fnrm equipment aud store articles, preliminary research acbivities
were started on grassland management and fodder agronomy in1064-05. AutecoJogical studies on important grasses of the tractn.n d fertilizer experiments on grassland were initiated. Va.rietalaud manurial trials on cowpeas and graminaceous fodder wereconducted. A heginning was also made in the collection ofindigenous and exotic material for est:l.blishment n.n d maintenanceIn a. phnt int.roduction garden. These activities were continuedin the year under report.
3
Objective:
The objectives of the Institute1:nieT-alia are:
i) 'I'o carry out research both of fundamentn.l and applied
nature on grasees, grasRlandR aud fodder crops a.s related tonnimnl nutrition, soil Iorti lity, crop production and soil and water
can sorvntion.
ii) 'I'o collrct, co-ordinate and collate resea.rch work on
the subject in the country by centralising direction, operation and
su peri nten deuce.
iii) To find out solutions to various confronting problemswith regard to gmssland and fodder crops, which can be given
practical application under the existing social and economic
conditions.
iv) To disserni nn.te knowledgr, of the subject through
organised training courses.
Organisational structure and changes:
The Scheme for the establiahmaut of Iridin.n Grassland
arid Fodder Research Iust.i nute, as originally approved, wasplanned to inolude (a.) the main Institute at .Jhansi aud (b) six
rpgionn,\ statious. The main Institnte was planned to be organi
sed into five technical Divisious viz., (i) Plant Improvement,(ii) Grassland Management, (iii) Fodder Agronomy, (i v) Plaut
Animal relationship and (v) Weed Ecology and Control, in addi
tion to the adrninstrative and general sections. Each technicalDivision was to be under the control of n Head of the Division.It was envisaged that the regional stations will be set up underInstitute initially for development and pilot project studies and
Inter for research to tackle the regional problems requiringsolution.
'I'he or'igi nnl scheme n,ceordp(l low priority to rrnRN\,rch at.l hn.nsi. The Project lIns SiIH'P. bp('IJ re-orientn.ted and it has ber-n
rl('eided that the scope of the regional shat.ious run.y be rpstriC't,(~d
4
to development and demonstrations under the Department ofAgriculture (Ministry of Food and Agriculture) and the pace ofresearch at the Institute may be accelerated. It has also beendecided that the s.dministra.tive control of the Institute at Jhansima.y be transferred by the Government of India to the Indian
Council of Agricultural Resea,rcb, with effect from April 1,1966.
During the year under report, the Institute continued tofunction with the nucleus staff only under the Depnrtmeut of
Agriculture (Ministry of Food and Agriculture).
Visitors:
A. The fol1owing visited tho Institute during the year:
1. Shri Shab NaWfl7J Khan, Deputy Minister for Agri
culture, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Govern
meut of Iridin.
Q. Dr. A. N. Ghash, Fodder Development om cer, Patna(Hi har].
3. Shri S. K. Ranjan, Officer-in-Chnrge, Pasture andForage Division, Department of Au i mal Nutrition,U. P. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbaudry, Ma.th ura (U. P.).
4. Dr. R. O. Whyte, F. A O. Grnsslanr] Adviser to the
Government of India.
5. Mi'. C. K. Vea,rR, Project Mans.ger Designate UNSHProject for Grassland arid Fodder Development.
G. Shri S.N.- Mohau, Deputy Dairy Development Adviserto the Government of India.
B. Tho following officers of the Government of Indiavisited in conneution witb the constrnotionnl programmeof tb(') Institute:
1. Sbri N. S. Sreekn.ntinb J [)PPllty Secretary to theGnvernrneut of Iudin.
~ KARARI SERIES
IlIlI PAHUJ SERIES
p§c:,~C?) BHOJLA SERIES
TO
JHANSI
. .-/
Fig.. !
I. G. F. R.t. JHANSI
MAP OF C. R. FARM
2. Shri V. M. Pun dlik, Senior Architect, C.P.W.D., NewDelhi.
3. Shri R. G. Gokhale, Superintending Engineer, O. P.
W. D., Agra.
4. Shri T. D. Mathur, Executive Engineer, C. P. Vl. J).,
G walior.
5. Shri H R. Laroyn, Architect, C. P. W. D , New Delhi.
Important events of the year:
Apart hom the genera] farm development aotivities by tho
Institute, necessary baaio surveys of the Centml farm were undertaken by the sister organizabions of the Government of India for
the Institute. Soil survey of the Farm was completed by th«
All India Soil and Land Use Survey OrgrLni7.::Ltion, New Delhi.Soil map of the farm is given in Figure 1.
Soil samples were col leoted by the Division of Soil Science
and Agricnltl1ml Chetu istry, Indi an Agricultl1l'al Research Tnst.i
tnte, New Delhi, for preparation of soil fertility map.
Contour survey of 80 hectares of the farm was completed
hy the staff of the Ceutral Soil Conservation Research Demonstrahion-cnm-Tra.i ning Centre, Kotn..
'l'he staff of C. P. W D., Gwalior surveyed the Mi lits.ry
Padnv area for the preparatiou of Master Plan for the admini strntive, laboratory and the residenbiut buildings of the Institute.
The architect, C. P W. 1->', prepared sketch drawings ofthe farm buildings. Administrative approval was accorded by
tlie Ministry of Food and Agriculture for the construction of ann.pproaoh road to the site for fnrrn buildings.
Research collaboration with Institutes, Universities, Collegesand other Institutes at national level:
As the Institute was still ill initial stages of development,
no i nter-i nst.itution al oollabornti ve research progrrunme wasundcrtn.keu during tbe year.
6
Research collaboration at International level:
Simultaneously with the approval of the scheme for the
establish ment of the Institute in the Third Fi ve Yen.r PIa.n , n. request
was mn.de by the Government of India tor U.N.S.F. assistancein developing an intensive programme of fodder development and
research. The U. N. S. F. Project was approved by the governing
Council of the U. N. S. F. at its 13tb Sessiou held in Jauuary,
] 9G5. The Project l\hnager, designa.to ~I r, G. K. Veal's remained
in India during the year. The Project is proposed to be imple
mented with suitable modifications and has since been re-orien
tnted n,s mentioned earlier.
Advisory services:
I nforrnntion on technical matters perbnining to the culti
vati on of grn.sses and fodders WrLS given to ten parties who sought
such advice.
Extension:
As f. part of extensiou nrtivit.y the RP('(ls of tlie following
fodder crops wprp supplied to the various Statf>s and priva.te
a.gcncies during the year:
Qllfwtity
Q. Kg.To whom su ppl ied
1\1. P. Chari seed .... 15 35 Stn.tc Animal Husbandry Dnptt
(G.P.), Lncknow.
Cowpea seeds9o
00 ----do----38 Southern Regiona.l Smtion, National
Dairy Hesea.rch Institute, Baugalore
0~ State Animal Husbandry Dcptt.
CU. P.), Lncknow.
.... 17 G3 --do--
7
Finance Research Funds and Expenditure:
'I'he details of sanctioned budget and the expenditure
incurred during the year ending March, 1966 are gi ven below:
Sub
B-Agril. Expt. andResearch
B-6 Estt. of Instituteof Forage and GrasslandResearches
B-5 (l) Pay of Officer
B-5 (2) Pay of Estt.B-5 (3) Allow. & Hono.B-5 (4) Other charges
BudgetEstimate(Revised)
34,400
19,30017,60088,400
1966-67
Actual
34,()98.20
19,303.7017,428.5585,201.37
Actual forThird Plan
77,418.8;354,358.48
34,031.783,66,961.97
'l'otal.... 1,59,700
2. Progress of Research:
Weather conditions:
1,57,631.82 5,32,77t.06
The Winter and Summer seasons were norma] but thrrainy season WfLS not favourable for the Kharif crops. A lthoug h
a total of 713.3 mrn of rain was received during the season, the
delayed onset of the monsoon resulted ill late sowings which
could only be completed in early A ugust. A prolonged droughtperiod immediately after sowing, followed by poorly distributed
rain in August, considerably affected the establishment of thecrops. However, the well-distributed and fairly heavy rains
amounting to 425 rnm received in September helped the crops aswell fLS the grass appreciably.
Researches in Hand:
As in the previous year, the research activity was confined
to the two Divisions, namely: 1) Grassland Management aud 2)Fodder Agronomy.
8
A. DIVISION OF GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT
The "turlieR included (i) survey and mappiug of the
natural vegPtatl0!l of the Institute Iarm , (ii) autecological studies
on grasses of the tract, (iii) root ecology of common grasR species,
(i v) grassland manuring, arid (v) introduction of legumes inHeteropoqon. grassland.
Amongst the results of practical value, mention may be
made of the high response to nitrogen and phosphate in low lyinggrassland, well supplied with moisture. The results of the
different projects are described below:
Project 1: Survey and mapping of the natural vegetation ofthe Central Research Farm.
(Ie. A. Shun karna.rayn.u, P.M. Dabudghao andS.P. Marwnha).
The ecological survey covered two types of vegetation,
viz., a) Grassland and bl 'frees and shrubs. The survey was
corup leted and the vegetation lllr1pR were prapn.red.
a.) Grassland vegetation:
'I'he important gmsf; communities together with the eda
phio conditions based on soil survey conducted by All India Soila.n d Laud Use Survey Org<tnizittion are given in '1\11>Ie 1.
There were seven pri ncipul grnss species, urunely Selvimaneroosum, Heieropoqon. contortus, Chrysopogon fulvus. Bothriochloa pertuea, Themeda quadrivalvis, Lseilema laxum aud
Dichanthium annulatum, which occurred in va,rying combinations
ill 11 grass cornmuuit.ies under the Sehima- Dichanthium covel'.
Besides these, there were three other grasses namelySaccharum spontaneum, Vetiveria zizaniodes and Coix lacryma}obi the combi nation of which formed four eorumunities as elements of Phragmites-Sacchar1lm-I1nperata cover. A map showing
the grn.ss ooru muuiti es is gi veu in Pig. 2.
I. G. F. R.1. JHANSI
GRASS MAP OF C.R. FARM
KARARI
SIMARDHA
:Fig. '2
lAKARA
LEGEND_SEHIMA NERVOSUM
HETEROPOGON CONTORTUS.
1::::: ::\ HETEROPOGON CONTORTUS.
HittFHlH'ETEROPOGON CONTORTUS-!:!fI.:EEEj THEMEDA (JUADR/VAlVIS.
mi!'B.!llHETEROPOGON CONTORTUS-~ DESMOSTACHYA B/P/NNATA.
~ HETEROPOGON CONTORTUSl!..!..lli CHLORIS VIRGATA.
c::IJTIBOTHR/OCHLOA PERTU~A.
~ BOTHRIOCHLOA PERTUSA-~ HETEROPOGON CONTORTUS.
~ ISE/LEMA LAXUM.
rr;r,TjT]ISEILEMA LAXUM-~ DICHANTHIUM ANNULATUf4.
~VET/VERIA ZIZAN/OIDES-,,~ ERAGROSTIS NUTAIIS.
VETIVERIt. ZIZANIO/;)ES.
~ THEMEDA QUADRIVALVIS.~l1li SACCHARUM SPONTANEUM.
I',','::ICHRYSOPOGON FULVUS......... .
eLi COIX LACRnlAJOB,.
b) Tree and shrub vegetation:
As a result of survey of the tree and shrub H'getnticll bv
Ocular method, 41 plant corrnnnmtiea were distinguished at the
Central Hesearoh Farm.
Project 2: Autecological studies on important grasses of thetract.
(K. A. Sha.nkarnarayan and S. P. Marwahu).
A. Germination studies:
'I'he seeds of three species (Sehima neroosum, Heteropoqon.contortus and Ohrysopogonfulvus) were subjected to fonr lif!bt
treatments, namely: 1) continuous light '2) cout innous dnrk uess
in chamber 3) diffused light 4) continuous liab t for 12 hours and
continuous darkness for 12 hours. There were lIO effects of
differential light treatments 011 the geruJinatioll of the three
grasses.
B. Pot culture studies:
Pot culture studies were undertaken to asses the response
of the three grass species (Sehima nervosum, Heteropogon contortus and Ohrysopogon f~tlv'us) to four moisture levels given
below on three soil types (fine textured black, gravelly red and
grey sandy loam):
Wet : Irrigation at field cn.pacity.
Moist: Irrigation at 75 percent field capa ci ty.
Semi-dry: Irrigation at 50 percent field capacity.
Dry: Irrigation at '25 percent field onpa city.
Treatment effects on dry weight of grasses are
given in Table 2.
10
Table: Response of different gra::;s spectea to varying water
regimes: yield in gm.
Name of
species
:\IOIS'l'UBE REGIMEWet Moist Serni- Dry
Dry
SOU.J 'l'YPEFine Grav- Sandy Mean
text- ell)' loam
ured red
black
Sehima 75.7 50.7 34.0 21.7 94.0 47.3 40.7 60.7
nervosum
Cbrysopogon 34.0 :28.3 :268 16.0 34.3 36.7 34.2 35.7
Iulvus
Heteropogon 147.7 177.3 102.7 80.7 194.3 179.7 151.0 175.0
con tortus
;\Jen n 85.8 85.4 54.5 39.5 107.5 87.9 7.5.3
Heteropogon coniorius produced the highest and Ohrysopogon [ulcus the lowest dry matter and Sehima neroosum, occu
pied intermediate position. 'I'he dry weight of the grasses increa
sed with improvement in the moisture status of the soil. Moisture
regime (irrigation n,t 75 per cent field capacity) appeared to be
optimum for H. conioriue. S. nerooeum and O. fulvU8 were res
ponsive to still moisture conditions. It seemed that the perfor
rnn.nce of C. [ulous was not influenced by soil type but the others
were at their best on the fine-textured black soil.
It may be mentioned that in nature S. nerooeum occurs
on red gravelly soil, O.fulvU8 on shallow rocky soil and H. coniorius bas wider ada.ptabil ity. 'I'he autecological studies men
tioned above also pointed to the wider ecological amplitude of
H. coniorius and the specific preference of S. nercosum and O.
[ulcus to moister habitats.
11
Project 3: Root ecology of common grass species of the tract:
(K. A. Shanknrnarnya.n, P. M. Dabadghaoand'S. P. :'ITarwnha)
A study of the nndergrnund orgnns of the perennial grnssesis necessary for the proper interpretation of their behaviour in ngiven environment. Sueh fl, study nlso throws light on theirdistribution in Nature. 'The studies on root development wereundertaken by trench washing method (U pchnrch nud Lovvorn,1951*) on five principal .grass species, viz., Sehima neruosum,Heteropoqon contortus, Iseilema laxum, Dichanthium annulatumn.nd Chrysopogonjulvu8. The root characters of nine-month oldplants, spaced 2m x 2m, are gl ven in 'I'able 3 for each of thospecies under study:
'l'n.ble 3 : Root characters of 9-month old plant (spaced at2m x 2m).
Number Hoot l\hx. Qnantity ofof roots Dia- Depth. root mntter
meter In em. added to so; III1 mrn. (q/ha)
1. Sehima nervosum 544 0'51 H9 14'44
2. Heteropogon coniortus 633 0'69 136 15'60
3. I seilema laxum. 719 0'19 105 16'67
4. Dichanthium 778 0'58 98 2905amnulaium.
5. Chrysopogon [uluus 225 0'61 68 3'94
"Upohuroh, RP., and H. r.. Lovvorn.habits of ulfulfn in North
43: 49B·493. 1951.
Gross morphological rootCnroli na. Agron. J'our.
""'-
1'2
D. annulatum had the maximum number of roots and also
produced maximum root material thus indicating its potentiality
for improving the structure. I. laxum with its large numbers of
thin roots indicated a superior soil binding ability. S. nervosumand H. coniortus showed deep root system pointing to their
inherent drought resisbauoe en paoity. O. fulvus generally showed
n. shallow rooting habit and poorly developed root system in
comforrnity with its dominance on shallow rocky soil and
indica.ting its intrinsic unsuitability for deep clay soils.
Project 4: Grassland manuring:
(K. A. Shakamarayn.n and S. P, Mnrwahn)
Two sets of factorial trials, one on Heteropogon and the
other on low-lying grassland of Iseilema were conducted to study
the effect of three levfJls of nitrogen (0,20, 40 Kg. N/ha,) two
levels of phosphate (0,20 Kg. P z0 5 /h a,) and two levels of
potassium (0,'20 Kg. K 2 0 / ba). These experiments which were
initiated in 1964 were repeated during the year on the same site
without altering the position of the treatments. 'I'he Iertilizer
dressings were applied afresh on June '24, 1965 and therefore,
the responses of treatments recorded during the year represented
cumulative effects.
'I'able 4: Effect of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium on theyield of dry grass (q/ha).
([1) Heteropogon contortus :
1\J ean over Po and PI Mean+1·34
p(~ PI ko 1\1---- - - -----------
Ilo 20'46 27-51 23 3~) 24·58 2309
III 2G'96 3:2'95 53'HO 266O 2905
Il2 23'07 25'58 20'19 23'4G 24'W~
Msa.n 23'5.0 28'68 :27'29 '24'~8
+ 1'00
13
(b) Low lying grassland (Iseilema laxum) :
Mean over ko and k1 Mean over po and PI Mean
po PI 1\0 k1
110 38'3~ 4260 4~'a5 38'05 40'50
11] 39'60 52'72 43'44 48'89 '16'16
n2 52'63 58'9tj 55'83 55'75 55'70
l\Ien,l1 4352 51'45 47'41 4756±1"36
COat 5% level = 5'25, 6'51 ql/hr, for responses toP and N (linear) respectively.
110,11 l,n2 represent 0,20,40 Kg, N/ha respectively.
PO,Pl represent 0,20 Kg. PzOu/ha respectively.
1\0,1\1 represent 0,20 Kg. K 20/ha respectively.
In Heieropoqon grassland (Table -la }, nitrogen andphospbn.te at 20 Kg. N r.lld 20 Kg, P 20 5 respectively tended toincrease the yield of grass. The response to tbe higher level ofnitrogen and potassium were not discernible. During the
previous year the responses to the single and the double dressingof nitrogen were 26 per cent and 92 per cent respectively. 'I'helow responses in 1965 were probably the result of sub-normaland delayed rains, in ism 11 ch as moisture acted ns a limitingInctor.
TlI jnwlying graRslnnd with Iseilema laxurn n.ndDichanthium annulaluni as the dominunt species, well supplied
with moisture ('l':Lble 4b), 40 Kg. N/ha aud 20 Kg, P 205 ga\'othe highC',;t yioltls. The Ringle n.ud tIle double dreRRing of
14
nitrogen increased tbe yield by 137 per cent and ::16'8 per centrespectively. The corresponding increases in tbe preceding yearwhen rai nfa.ll distribution W!1S Iavournble, were 4~.1 per cent andG5'8 per cent.
Project 5: Introduction of legumes in Heteropogon grassland:
(K. A. Shn.nkarnn.rayan, P. 111. Dabadghaoand S. P. Marwaha)
Legumes are an important constituent of grnsalands inagriculturally advanced countries and conbri bute substantia.lly tothe nutritive value of herba.ge and tbe productivity of thegrasslands. The legume component is practically absent in thenaturnl grasslands in India. It is to be expected that a successfulintroduction of a legume would improve the quality of thesegrasslands. Preliminary studies were, therefore, started with aview to finding ant the best ruethod of establishment of Atylosiascarabaeoides, which is a local palatable legume, by over-seedingit in Heieropoqtm. grnseln.nd, The treatments included thefollowing ;
(a) time of sowing (Jannn,ry, Mny arid .Iuly)
(b) seed rate (0,50,75 and 180 grns. per plot of size (l/200 ha].
(e) harrowing (with and without).
The results showed encouraging establishment whenover-seeding was done in the pre-monsoon season. Harrowingseemed to improve the chances of establishment.
B. DIVISION OF SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRONOMY
Agronomic experiments on fodder crops were conductedto study: (i) the scope a-nd efficacy of introduction of Vicia inwheat to improve the nutritive value of wheat bliusa, (ii) therffeet of N, P, K on the yield of ill P Chari, (iii) comparative
performance of various graminaceous fodder crops, (iv) cornpa
rn.tive performance of cowpens vnr ieties, (v) the effect of seed rateand spaci ng in ;\[ P Chari.
15
rrhe experiments indicated good prospects of introducing
Vetch in wheat to improve the nutritive value of wheat straw.
Promising performance of 'sudnx' and cow peas No.9 (Durga.pura)
was indicated in the comparative yield trinls. The results
obtained in the different projects were as follow:
Project 1 : Introduction of Vetch in Wheat:
(P. lVI. Dabadghao, S. P. Mn.rwaha
and R. IC Pandey)
'I'hese studies were started with a view to improving the
nntritive value of bhusa by growing Vetch in association with
wheat, inasmuch as Vetch hay is simultaneously incorporated
with the wheat straw at the time of the harvest of wheat. The
treatments included five increasing levels of seed rates of Vetch
in fl, wheat crop; pure wheat served as the 'control'. 'I'he yield
of wheat grain and the nutritive value of wheat straw in terms
of protein, calcium and phosphorus contents under the different
treatments are given in 'I'able fi.
'l'able 5 : Yield of Wheat and Nutritive value of Bhusa.
Sl. Yield of CrudeCalcium
Phos-
No.'I'rentmeuts wheat ill protein
per centphorus
g/ba per cen t percent
1 "Wheat + Vetch (70 Kg Iha,) lS'~H 5'18 0"45 0'15
2 Whertt +Vecth (56 Kg./ba) 19'66 4'63 0'36 0'15
3 "Wheat + Vetch (42 Kg·/ha) 20'36 3'26 1'27 0'12
4 \Vheat + Vetch (28 Kg./ba) 19'86 3'33 0'26 0']3
5 ";heat + Vetch (14 Kg.jha) 17'74 3'11 022 0'11
6 Pure "Wheat (75 I{g.jhfl) 19'64 3'25 0'20 0'11.
Statistical ana.lysis did not show any significant differences
ill the yields of wheat grain fro m the plots nuder mixed sowing
lG
ftg eompnrad to those under pure wheat. 'I'his indicated thabnormal grain yields of the crop were obtained, even when thecrop was grown mixed with Vetch. Chemical analysis of bhusashowed that as 11 result of mixed sowing, there WfLS a genemlimprovement in its nutritive value, ill terms of crude protein, CI1
n.nd P content.
Project 2: The effect of N, P and K on the MP Chari.
(S. P. Ml1rwithfl, aud R. IL Pitndey)
The treatment under the experiment comprised of three
levels of nitrogen (0,25,50 Kg. N/hl1), two levels of phosphate(0,25 Kg. Pz0 5 / ha ) nnd two levels of potassi um (0,25 Kg.KilO/hit).. 'I'he experiment WI1S i niuiated in 1064 and was}'epentec1 in 1965 on a new site. The crop was sown on Ang 4,
IOG5, ftfter differentinl manuring nccording to plan. Thetreatment effects are given in 'I'able 6.
Table (j: Yield of dryJodder of MP Chari in q/ha,
Po PI ko k Mean1
110 10.6 159 21.4 1-1.1 17.8
111 225 '27.8 25.6 24:.7 25.'2
11 2 28.8 81.'2 30.0 30.0 30.0
Mean 23.6 249 25.7 22.9C±:.1. 8'2)
C D at 5% level for N == 4.72
DO, n l' n 2 represent 0,2.5,50 Kg. N/ha respectively.
represent 0,25 Kg. P20r;/ha. respectively.
represent 0,25 Kg. KzO/ba respectively.
17
'I'here was a significant response to application of nitrogen
as in the previous year. 'I'he response increased with increase inthe level of nitrogen. Applications of P and K were without
any effect.
Project 3: Studies on the comparative performance ofvarious graminaceous fodder crops.
(R. K. Pandey and S. P. Marwaha)
The experiment was started in 1964 and was repeated
during the year. Ma.iae yellow 2 from the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute was replaced by Sudax (a cross between Sudangrass and grain sorghum) during the yen.r. 'I'he crop was sown
on 3-8·1965 'I'he general yield level was low because of the latesowing and sub-normal rai nfal l,
Yield (dry weight) Kg./ha
81.No.
1
3
4
5
6
Varieties
M. P. Chari
Jowar '1' 4
Jowar 8 B
Sudan grass
Sudax
O. D. at 510 level 10032/ha,
Yield( +334)
2144
1100
2357
124
3250
330
at 1%1387A/ha
'I'he differences in fodder production among tbe gramina
ceous crops were significant. "Sudax gave the maximum yieldwhich was about 52 per cent higher than that of}l P Chari, the
recommended variety in U. P., and Jowar 8 B was next best in
performance.
18
Project 4 : Varietal trials on cowpeas.
(R. IC Pandey and S. P. l\f arwn ha )
In addition to the seven varieties which were included in
the trial in the previous year, three more varieties obtn.ined from
F. A. 0., were added ill the trial during the ycnr Crable t\).
Table 8 : Yield (dry matter) in Kg.fha.
Rl.Varieties Source
YieldNo. (+ 140'G)
1 Russian Giant U. P. 862
2 Lobin, Type 2 U. P. 650
3 E. C. 4211 1. A. R.1. 864
4 E. C. 4216 1. A. H. 1. 8:22
5 E. C. 2790 1. A. H. 1. 85:3
6 K.397 1. A. 11. 1. 932
7 Cowpea Durgapura Hajasthan 1128
t\ F. A. O. 14'025 F.A.O 5:3'1
9 F. A. O. 14'023 F. A. O. 850
10 F. A. O. ]4'0:21 F. A. O. 540
The varietal differences were not significant. However, it
WaS indicated that variety No.9 Dutgn.pura (Rajastba.n) gave the
higher yield than Russian Giant Cow peas recommended in U. P.
'I'his variety No.9 had also shown the best performance in theprevious year.
19
Project 5: Spacing and seed rate on MP Chari.
(8. p. Marwaha and R. K. Pandey).
This experiment was started with a view to finding ant
the optimum seed rate and apaci ng for obta.ining maximum yield
of fodder. The experiment comprised of four seed rates (25, 5,7.5, ]00 Kg./ha) and three inter-row spacings (2:2, 33, 44 em) III
addition to sowing by broadcast.
The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, with
spncing as main plot and seed rate as sub-plot treatments in four
replications. 'I'he crop was sown on J uly 29, 65. 'I'he effects of
seed rates and spacing on the yield of 1\1. P. Chari are given in
Table D.
'l'able 9: Yield of MP Chari (dry matter) in Kg. /ha.
Seed rate
INTEH-B.OW SPACING
Broadcast 22 ems. 33 ems. 44 ems. Mean+ 183.6
2.5 Kg. Seed/ha 2946 294G 1444 2128 2406
:",.0 Kg. Seed/he, 2\)36 3160 2736 3116 2987
7.5 Kg. Seed/ha 31:3-:1: 4522 3251 29B 35-:1:2
10.0 Kg. Seed/hs 4-:1:75 3325 3376 4250 3983
:'IIean (+227.4) 3-:1:86 3488 28:26 3118
CD at 5% = 528.7 (for seed rate comparisons)
at 1% = 711.9 (for seed rate comparisons)
There was f1 progressive increase in yield with increasing
. seed rate. 'I'he increases followed a linear trend indicating that
optimum seed rate for fodder production is higher than 10 Kg./ba.
Seed rate remn.ining the sune, close spacing gave slightly better
production than wider spacin g.
20
DIVISION OF PLANT IMPROVEMENT
1\ collection of 23 grasses and 118 legumes was mai nba.ined
In the Plant Introduction garden. Phaseolus airopurpureusshowed excellent growth and has been selected for introduction
in grassland.
Apart from the 3,bovp. mentioned studies, the following
experiments were initiated during the yeur :
1. Animal performance studies on Heteropogon gntf'S
lands.
2. Relative responsiveness of Hybrid Napiers to nitrogen
manuring and their comparative performance.
3. Effect of foliar sprays with nitrogen and phospborus
on berseem seed production.
4. Weed control with herbicides in oats and wheat crops.
Researches contemplated:
'I'he item of research envisaged to be started are givenbelow, together with the object of study in each cases:
Grassland Management:
L Effect of spray fertilization on the quality andproduction of forage in Iseilema grasslands:
Object: To improve the nutritive value of hay
through sprs.v application of nitrogenous
and phosphatic fertilizers.
2. Seed production studies in grasses:
Object: To study the effect of nitrogen a.nd
phosphate on the seed yield of Cenchrusciliaris and C. setiqerus,
21
Soil Science and Fodder Agronomy:
1. Effect of spray fertilization on forage and seedproduction of berseem :
Object: '1'0 assess if fertilizer dose applied through.Roil could with advantage be partly replaced
by foliar application.
2. Effect of varying levels of N, P and K on fodder andseed production of cowpeas and graminaceousKharif fodders:
Object: '1'0 study the main effects and interactions
of the three macronutrients on the yield offodder and seed.
Weed Ecology and Control:
1. The effect of 2, 4, 5·T alone and in combinationwith 2, 4.D on the control of woody perennialweeds of grasslands:
Object: To evolve a quick, effective and economicalmethod of eradicating unwanted trees andbushes in natural grasslands.
Control of nut grass :
Object: 1'0 study the effect of MOPA and 2,4,5-'1'on the control of nut grass and theirresidual effect on the yield of wheat.
Studies on mixed cropping of fodders:
Object: 1. To improve the production of the firstcutting of berseem by mixed sowing ofberseem with sarson. and oats.
2. '1'0 extend the period of fodder supplyby mixed sowing of lucerne and intercopping of Hybrid Napier in berseern..
3. Papers published:
A paper entitled ' 'I'he Ecological Studies on the gnu:s1arl(ls
of J'hansi en. P.)' by K. A. Sba.nkarna.rnyn,n, S. P. Murwuhu,
H. KiPandey and P. M. Dabadghao is ready for publicn tion.
4. Extension:
(a) The Institute is in early stailes of development a.nd it istoo early to issue results of practical value for immediate
application.
(b) Among the results likely to be useful to the fartners,
but needing further trial, mention may be ms de of
(1) use of nitrogenous arid phosphatic fertilizers forincreasing the production of natural grn ssla.nds.(2) Mixed sowing of wheat and vetch for improving the
nutritive value of tbe by-product. (3) Superior perfor
mance of 'Sudax' amongst the graminaceouR foddersand cowpea No.9 (Durgapum) as compared with other
cowpea varieties.
(c) As the Institute is still in formative stages, no publicity
activities have been initin.ted 80 far.
5. Conferences and Symposia:
No conference or symposium was organised by the
Institute during the year under report.
6. Summary of Report:
Established in November, 1962, the Indian Grassland
and Fodder Research Institute, completed its third workingseason during the year under report. Dr. Mukhtar Singh joinedthe Institute as Director on November it, 1965. There was no
other addition to the nucleus research staff.
'I'he Institute is planned to be organised into five teehnioal
Divisions, each to be placed under a Head of the Division, to. carry out multi-disciplined research on all aspects of the
23
production ana utilisation of fodders and grasses. A proposal
for the rapid organization and development of the Institute was
also drawn up during the year.
'I'he main research activities during the year related to
grassland survey and management, and fodder agronomy. The
im pornance of fertilizer use was brought ant convincingly on
lowlying grasslnud under machuri grass (Iseilema laxum) inspite
of low raiuful l received during the year. Application of 200 Kg.
sulphate ofa.rnmonia and 125 Kg. superphosphate (single)
increased the yield of dry grass from 38·32 to 58'95 q/ha. Inthe case of upland spear grass or lumpa (Heteropogon coniortus}the fertilizer response during the year was less pronounced,
probably because of the limiting moisture supply resulting from
deticieu t ra.i 11 fall.
Pot culture studies showed tha.t all the three grassesnamely, sain (Sehima neruosum}, dha'lJ.'alu (Ohrysopogon fulvus)ana lumpa (Heteropoqon contortus}, responded well to moister
supply, but the former two seemed to require moister conditions
than the latter.
The variations in the root system of f ve grasses suggested
their relative adaptabili ty and suitability for agricultural use'rile deep rooting habit of sain (Sehima nervosum) and lumpa(Heteropogon contortus ) conferred on them drought-resisting
abi lity , 'I'he profusion of roots in marvel (D. annulatum) made
it good soil-structure improver. The dense net-work of fine roots
of machuri (Lsedema laxum) g:tve it soil-binding ability. 'I'he
shallow rooting system of dhawalu (Ohrysopogon fulvus) indicated
their adaptabiliny to shallow and rocky locations.
As the nntural grasslands in India have generally no
legume component, studies were initiated to explore the possi
bility of introducing fl, suitable legnme by over-seeding with
banlculthi ( Atylosia scarabaeoides},
Grass and tree vegetation of the Institute farm was
identified and different communities were mapped out in relation
to the cdaphic factors,
24
Field experiment on fodder crops revealed possibilities ofintroducing field vetches in wheat to improve the nutritive valueof the by-product. Promising performance of 'sudax' (a hybridbetween Sudan grass and Sorghum) and cowpens 9 from Durga
pura was indicated in comparative trials. Application of 250 Kg.sulphate of ammonia per hectare increased the yield of MP Chari
by about 72 per cent.
7. Personnel:
Dr. Mukhtar Singh joined the Institute as Director on11-11-1965. The following staff was in position at the end ofthe year 1965-66:
1. Director
2. Head of Division(Grassland Management)
3. Ecologist
4. Farm Superintendent
5. Research Assistan ts
6. Junior Scientific Assistant
7. Draftsman
8. Head Clerk
9. Accountant
10. Steno-typist
11. L. D. C.
]2. Driver
13 Peon
14. Chowkidar
15. Mali
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1600-] 800'
11CO-1400
700-1250
350-900
210-425
110-200
150-240
210-380
130-ROO
110-180 + 201- s. P.
110-180
110-109
70-85
70-85
7085
Table 1 Grass communities in relation to edaphic factorsat Central Research Farm, (Year 1965)
SI. Name of community Area SOIL Topography't" RemarksNo. in ha. Depth" Texture
1 Sehima neroosum-« 163.0 Bharari Series Sandy Gentle slope Well drained soilHeteropogon contortus Shallow to loam to
moderately deep loam
:2 Heteropogon contortus 17.6 Bharari Series Sandy Gentle slope Eroded slopes andtV
Shallow loam with severe plains with impove- c"'l
erOSIOn rished soil and lowmoisture content
3 Heteropogon contortus- 20.0 Bharari Series Sandy Gentle slope Uplands and slopesThemeda quadrivalvis Shallow to loam with severe having thin coarse
moderately deep erosion soil with underlyingloose paren t rock
':1 Heteropogon contortus- 6.9 Bharari Series Sandy Gentle to Slightly alkaline soilDesmostachya bipinnata Shallow to loam moderate slope
moderately deep
S. Name of community Area SOIL Topograpby** RemarksNo· in ha, Depbh" 'I'exture
5 H eteropogon coniortus - 5.7 Bharari Series Loam Gentle slope Over grazed uplandsChloris virgata moderately deep
6 Bothriochloa pertusa 37.9 Bharari Series Sandy Gentle mode- Uplands and lowlandsShallow to loam rate slope under intense tonloderately deep moderate grazing
7 Boihriochloa perlusa- 250 Bharari Series Sandy Very gentle to Uplands and lowlandsHeteropogon contortus Shallow to loam to Gentle slope under intense to
moderately deep loam moderate grazing l'OOJ
8 Themeda quadrioalcis 6.8 Bharari Series Sandy Very gentle to Low-lying wet landsShallow to loam Gentle slopemoderately deep
9 Chysopogon [ulous 2.0 Hock out crop Gravelly Hillock slope Rocky habitatswith practicallyno soil except increvices of rocks
10 Iseilema laxum 61.6 Karari and Sandy Moderate slope Conditions of excessBharari Series loam to water on land subjectDeep soil loam to innundation
S. Name of community Area SOIL Topography** RemarksNo. in ha. Depth" Texture
11 Iseilema laxum- 14.2 Karari and Sandy Plain Moist and wetDichanthium annulatum Bhojla Series loam to conditions
clay loam
12 Saccharum 13 ~ Pahuj Series Loamy ;\ioderate to Conditions of excesssponiameum deep to very deep stoop slope water along the river
and natural drains,and flowing water
13 Vetiveria zizanioides 35.0 Bhojla Series Clay loam Moderate slope Innundated eo-:)
Very deep soil conditions
14 Vetiveria zizanioides- 1.4 Bhojla Series Clay loam Moderate slope InnundatedEragrostis nutans Very deep soil conditions
15 Cotx lacryma jobi 0.2 Bhojla Series Clay loam Gentle mode- Natural drains andDeep Soil rate slope ditches
"Very shallow - 0-3" **Very gentle slope = 1-3%Moderately deep 9-]8/1 Gentle slope - 3-5%Deep 18-aWI Moderate slope - 5-10%Very deep Above 36/1 Steep slope Over 10%