Effect of Sowing Density on Tiller Number, Fresh Biomass and Soil Cover of Two Green Manure Crops

Abstract

Winter rye and Lolium mix are the most commonly used green manure crops that can withstand the low temperature. Its growth is influenced by light interception and different cultural practices such as sowing density and addition of nitrogen fertilizer. The objective of study was to determine the effect of sowing density on tiller number, fresh biomass and ground cover by green leaf blades of two green manure crops for consecutive two years. Split plot design was used with two green manure crop as main factor and sowing density as sub-plot factors as three levels with six blocks. Analysis of variance showed significant (P <0.05) interaction between sowing density and two green manure crops in two years for tiller number, fresh biomass and ground cover (%) by green leaf blades. High number of tiller, biomass production and ground cover was observed for winter rye than Lolium in both years. Winter rye was more likely preformed for tiller number, fresh biomass and ground cover at 100- 200% sowing density. Therefore, further investigation is required for winter rye at 100 % and 200 % sowing density at different locations and economic visibility in order to recommend the optimum sowing density for farming community.

Keywords: green manure, sowing density, tiller number, biomass, ground cover