Production and quality of Napier bajra hybrid (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum) in Eucalyptus tereticornis based silvi-pastoral system

A four year field investigation was carried out in sub-temperate conditions of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (India) to study the performance of Napier bajra hybrid at variable levels of nitrogen under Eucalyptus tereticornis trees plantation. Significantly better growth as well as green and dry forage yields was obtained under no shade (open) condition. Tree shade reduced the herbage yield and economic returns appreciably. Herbage yield increased with increasing doses of nitrogen upto 125% recommended nitrogen. Quality parameters i.e. crude protein, ADF, NDF, nitrate and oxalate contents in forage were higher under tree shade conditions. Crude protein, nitrate and oxalate contents increased with increasing doses of nitrogen but reduction in ADF and NDF contents were observed at higher doses of nitrogen.