Biotech Studies 1997, Vol 6, Num, 1     (Pages: 035-042)

EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON SELECTED MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, HAY AND PROTEIN YIELD OF SUDAN GRASS (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) CULTIVARS UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS OF CENTRAL ANATOLIA

Hayrettin KENDİR 1 ,Cafer S.SEVİMAY 2

1 Dr. A.Ü. Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Dışkapı-Ankara
2 Yard.Doç.Dr. A.Ü. Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü. Dışkapı-Ankara
- Sudan grass is widely grown for hay production and grazing in temperate regions of the world. It is becoming an increasingly important second crop in Southern Turkey, as an alternative to maize. Due to the plant 's low-cost production and high yield capacity, it is a viable alternative when grown in suitable environments where livestock lack high-quality feed.

In this study three Sudan grass cultivars (G-1326, Sweet and Gözde-80) were tested for their response to various doses of nitrogen fertilizers (0,4,8,12 kg/ da N). This research was conducted at the Ankara University Agricultural Faculty's Experimental Farm near Haymana, Turkey in 1995. No significant differences were observed among the cultivars in terms of yield and yield components. However, nitrogen rate was found to affect hay and crude protein yield, plant height, stem diameter and protein content. Nitrogen application had effect on neither tiller number nor standard leaf length. Keywords : Sudan grass; Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf cultivars; hay yield