INDIANGRASSLANDAND FODDERRESEARCHINSTITUTE,JHANSI.

9'. 11

O'

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--

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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.

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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.

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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

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(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%