Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

An experiment was conducted in mango orchards of Agricultural Research Institute, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad between 2013 and 2017 to study the effect of shade and various levels of nitrogen fertilization on the yields, quality and anti-quality parameters of Bajra Napier Hybrid, a popular forage crop of the zone. Yield attributes viz., L:S ratio and tillers per plant decreased by 8.64 and 13.7%, respectively when grown in shade, while N levels improved these attributes with increasing dosage significantly. The fodder yields were higher in sun than in shade, while the effect of nitrogen was significant up to 50% of recommended N. Dry matter percent was highest at state recommended N level while it reduced by 6.44% when grown under shade. The growing environment did not influence crude protein, but increased by increasing N positively. Crude fiber was however unaffected. The oxalate concentration was significantly higher under sun over that of shade grown crop with values of 1.85 and 1.77%, respectively; and increased with increasing nitrogen. Besides, shade increased nitrate concentration of crop significantly in each clipping. Nevertheless, the nitrate concentration was within the range prescribed for animal health while the magnitude of oxalates rarely reached the toxic range. Though the effect of growing environment seems insignificant on quality of BN hybrid during the period of study but continuous monitoring is inevitable owing to repercussions of climate change.