Effects of Seed Rate and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Growth and Biomass Yield of Oat (Avena Sativa L.)

The present study was conducted to assess seed rate (SR) and nitrogen rate (NR) effects on biomass yield and nutritional quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) at Sirinka, North Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia on July 2018. Levels of SR were 60, 80 and 100 kg/h and that of NL were 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha in the form of Urea (46% N). The experiment was conducted in a 3x3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications giving a total of 27 plots, each measuring 2×1.4 m2. Growth and yield parameters were analyzed. Results showed that the interaction between seed rate and nitrogen rate had a significant (p<0.05) effect on almost all parameters measured except tiller number per plant (TNP). Green forage yield and dry matter yield increased with increasing level of seed rate and level of nitrogen. Generally, combination of 100 kg/ ha seed rate and 150 kg/ha nitrogen recorded higher forage yield. Thus, seed rate of 100 kg/ha and nitrogen fertilizer rate of 150 kg/ha Urea can be recommended for use by farmers in Sirinka area and other areas having similar agro-ecologies and soil type.

Keywords: Biomass yield; Nitrogen rate; Nutritive value; Oat; Seed rate