Optimizing cutting and nitrogen levels boosts oat fodder productivity significantly.
The researchers studied how different cutting methods and nitrogen levels affect the productivity of dual-purpose oat. They tested 20 combinations of cuttings and nitrogen levels in a field experiment. Results showed that cutting at specific times and applying 30 kg of nitrogen after the first cutting led to the highest plant growth, tiller numbers, and fodder yield. The highest overall green and dry fodder yield was achieved with 30 kg of nitrogen, similar to 20 kg. This nitrogen level also increased ash content and protein in the plants. Control and lower nitrogen levels had higher crude fiber content.