Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Post-harvest Soil Nutrient Status of Fodder Jowar (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Varieties as Influenced by Nitrogen Levels in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Summary

This field trial in north coastal Andhra Pradesh evaluated three fodder sorghum varieties under four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 80, 100 kg N ha⁻¹) in a split-plot design. CSH-43 MF variety demonstrated superior fodder productivity and nitrogen uptake, whilst the 100 kg N ha⁻¹ treatment maximised green and dry fodder yields alongside nutrient uptake, though post-harvest soil phosphorus and potassium reserves were paradoxically higher under zero nitrogen application. Varietal choice and nitrogen management interact significantly to influence both fodder production and soil nutrient dynamics.

Regional applicability

This study's findings are specific to rainfed conditions in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom farming systems, which operate under different climate, soil, and forage management conditions. However, the methodological framework for evaluating varietal performance and nitrogen response in forage crops could be considered for UK-grown fodder crops, though sorghum is not routinely cultivated as a livestock feed crop in temperate British agriculture.

Key measures

Green fodder yield (kg ha⁻¹), dry fodder yield (kg ha⁻¹), nitrogen uptake (kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus uptake (kg ha⁻¹), potassium uptake (kg ha⁻¹), post-harvest soil available nitrogen (kg ha⁻¹), post-harvest soil available phosphorus (kg ha⁻¹), post-harvest soil available potassium (kg ha⁻¹)

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), and post-harvest soil nutrient status across three sorghum varieties under four nitrogen application levels. CSH-43 MF variety combined with 100 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest green fodder yield (54,760 kg ha⁻¹) and dry fodder yield (13,998 kg ha⁻¹).

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