SETARIA

1. Nandi : It is fast growing grass suitable for low hills with very good regeneration capacity with dark green leaves and thin stem. The vegetative growth starts during March and remains green till early December. It provides green fodder during the lean period i.e. May-June and October- November when no other green grass is available. The forage is nutritive and contains 7-8% protein (DM) at 50% flowering. During its growth period, 3-4 cuttings can be obtained with an average yield of 750 q/ha of green grass. It is suitable for planting in grassland, wasteland and bunds of fields upto 2000 m altitude.


2. PSS-1 : It is a fast growing perennial grass recommended for cool, frost prone sub-tropical grasslands. It has dark green leaves, medium thick stems and brown rusty heads. It remains green for 9-10 months in a year and provides 3-4 cuttings. Green herbage is available during lean periods viz April-June and October-December. It is a drought and cold tolerant grass. It has yield potential of 600-750 q/ha of green fodder. Its herbage contains low oxalates (2-3%) and high protein (9-10% DM). It can directly be sown in grasslands in lines 30 cm apart.


3. Nursery raising : Fine seed bed should be prepared. The seed should be broadcast on the bed and covered with thin layer of fine soil. Care should be taken that the seed does not go deeper than 5 cm. Irrigate nursery bed after sowing and continue till the seedlings emerge. It should be sown in the first week of May.