Hybrid Napier CO4 grass is one of the widely cultivated fodder grasses because of its high Nutritive value. This grass is an Inter specific hybrid between Elephant grass and Bajra grass.Compared to other fodder crops Hybrid Napier CO4 is one of the highest yielding fodder grass and considered as cut and carry forage for all stall feeder systems.
This grass grows throughout the year and it can be grown on a variety of soils.Compared to other fodder crops Hybrid Napier CO4 grass is a perennial grass which can be retained on field for 4 to 5 years. Hybrid Napier CO4 grass produces numerous leaves. It has larger leaves, softer and less persistent hairs of leaf blades and sheaths and less sharp leaf edges.It is juicier and succulent at all stages of growth.
PLANTING METHOD.
Plough with an iron plough two to three times to obtain good tilth. Form ridges and furrows using a ridger 60 cm apart.This grass is planted by rooted slips or by stem cuttings. Irrigate through the furrows and plant one rooted slip/stem cutting per hill.Cuttings with 2 nodes from the middle portion of moderately matured stems (3 to 4 months) are preferred. The cuttings are planted at a slanting position at one side of the ridges with one node buried in the soil. The underground node develops roots and shoots while the upper node shoots only. Spacing of 60cm x 90cm results in good yield and 7256 stems are required for one acre.
WATER MANAGEMENT.
Immediately after planting, give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in 10 days. Sewage or waste water can also be used for irrigation.
HARVESTING.
The first cut is taken from 60 to 75 days after planting and subsequent cuts are taken after intervals of 30 to 45 days.
GREEN FODDER YEILD.
7 to 8 cuttings per year and 25 to 30 tons per cutting depending upon the soil.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE REMEMBERED:
While planting the soil around the cutting has to be pressed tightly for good root growth.
The grass must be cut at ground level for good tillering of the clumps.
Racking the soil, earthing up and removing dried tillers after every third harvest is essential for good production.
Quartering has to be done every year or whenever the clumps become unwidely and large.