THE IMPACT OF SEEDING DENSITY AND NITROGEN RATES ON FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF AVENA SATIVAL

Abstract

Green forage is a vital feed source for livestock, supporting milk, butter, and other dairy products that contribute significantly to human nutrition. In Pakistan, livestock accounts for about 11.39% of GDP and 58.33% of agricultural output. However, during winter, animals often face fodder shortages that reduce milk yield. Oat (Avena sativa L.) is the main winter forage, but its production is hampered by factors such as poor soil fertility, especially nitrogen deficiency, low organic matter, and suboptimal management. This study evaluated the effect of three seed rates (70, 80, and 90 kg ha⁻¹) and five nitrogen levels (0–160 kg ha⁻¹) on oat forage yield and quality. Results showed that the highest forage yield (54.67 t ha⁻¹) and superior growth traits including plant height, tiller number, leaf area, and biomass were achieved with 90 kg seed rate and 160 kg N ha⁻¹. Nutritional traits such as crude protein (10.54%), crude fiber (31.62%), and ash content (9.39%) were also maximized under this combination. Economic analysis indicated that 90 kg seed rate with 120–160 kg N ha⁻¹ gave the best benefit cost ratio and net returns. Therefore, a seed rate of 90 kg ha⁻¹ with 120 kg N ha⁻¹ is recommended for improved forage yield, quality, and profitability