ENHANCING FODDER PRODUCTION THROUGH TREE BASED AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AND OPTIMUM NITROGEN DOSES

Abstract

This study was done at the Research Field of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilization and agroforestry systems on the growth, morphological traits and yield performance of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The experiment was laid out in a 2-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A consisted of four nitrogen levels, N1 (0 kg/ha), N2 (50 kg/ha), N3 (100 kg/ha) and N4 (150 kg/ha), whilst factor B had three production system, S1 (Napier sole cropping), S2 (Neem + Napier) and S3 (Mahagoni + Napier). Results demonstrated that nitrogen fertilization and agroforestry systems had a significant effect on plant height, collar diameter, number of tillers, leaf traits (length, breadth and number of leaves), green forage yield and dry matter content. Nitrogen application had a significant positive effect on vegetative growth and forage yield, with 150 kgN/ha producing significantly more forage during the growing season. Napier grass grown as sole cropping produced greater than tree based systems due to low competition. Neem surprised by supporting moderate growth with additional soil benefits, while Mahagoni trees reduced Napier performance due to shading and resource competition. Interaction effects were not statistically different in most instances but indicated that in the production systems, tree-based systems (N2S3 and N3S2) potentially demonstrated considerable growth, tillering and leaves with intermediate N levels (50-100 kg/ha). The implications of this are that site-specific nutrient inputs and management should be taken into account. Dry matter was less susceptible to nitrogen, although DM did vary within systems with sole cropping producing the highest DM content. The study underscores the potential of integrating optimized nitrogen management with suitable agroforestry components to sustainably enhance Napier fodder production.