Influence of season and plant age on growth, biomass yield, nutritive value and soil health of Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) under semi-arid conditions
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Authors
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Dr Santhiya D
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
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Dr Bharathy N
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
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Dr Anandha Prakash Singh D
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
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Dr Vasanthakumar P
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
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Dr Nithya C
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
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Dr Ragul M
Veterinary College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal - 637002
Keywords:
Dhaincha, Plant age, Soil fertility, Seasonal variationAbstract
Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) is a fast-growing annual legume with potential as a forage and green manure crop under semi-arid tropical conditions. A field experiment was conducted during winter and summer to study the effect of plant age and season on growth, biomass yield, chemical composition and soil fertility. Plant height increased from 2.50 to 165.00 cm in winter and from 3.17 to 178.50 cm in summer, while fresh biomass yield was higher in summer (38 t ha⁻¹) than winter (33 t ha⁻¹). Dhaincha contained high crude protein (17.49% DM) with low tannin content (1.85 mg g⁻¹), and cultivation improved soil organic carbon and nutrient availability. Summer harvest at flowering was optimal.
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References
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