EFFECT OF CROPPING SYSTEMS AND SOWING METHODS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WINTER-SEASON FODDER CROPS UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS

A field experiment conducted in split-plot design during the winter seasons (rabi) of 1986-87 and 1987-1988 showed higher herbage yield of oat (Avena sativa L.) than barley (Hordeum vulgare L. sensu lato) and oat + barley. Growing of fodder crops in combination with pea (Pisum sativum L. sensu lato and sarson (Brassica sp.) was superior for forage production, yielding 16.4 and 3.9 q more green-foreage per hectare than pure stand of the crops respectively. Line sowing of the crops maintained its superiority to broadcast sowing. The highest profit of Rs 8,565, 7,819 and 8,079/ha was recorded in oat, crops grown with pea and line sowing of the crops respectively.