MAKKHAN GRASS - FORAGE ( मक्खन ग्रास फ़ोरेज)

Makkhan Grass – High Nutrition Multi-Cut Forage

Key Features:

• High nutrition with 14-18% crude protein
• Highly palatable and succulent multi-cut annual grass
• Can be used fresh or as hay
• Improves milk production and quality, especially milk solids
• High dry matter digestibility – 65%

Usage & Seed Rate

• Solo sowing: 5 to 6 kg per acre
• Combination with Berseem: 2 to 3 kg per acre
• Dosage: 6 kg per acre

Suitable Region / Season

Cultivated as a winter forage crop, suitable for sowing from October to December.

Additional Information

Soil

Suitable for all kinds of agricultural soils with normal pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.

Sowing Method

• Sow plot-wise in rows spaced 30 cm apart.
• Prepare soil with 6 inches of loose soil and 0.5 inch of fine topsoil.
• Seed can be applied via broadcast spreader, seeder, hydroseeder, or by hand.
• Do not cover seed with more than 1/4 inch of topsoil.
• Use a roller to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Temperature

• Soil temperature should be above 65°F (18°C).
• Optimal soil temperature for germination and root growth is 75–80°F (24–27°C).

Germination & Establishment

• Keep seedbed moist to enhance germination.
• Germination begins within 10 to 14 days and completes by 18 days under ideal conditions.
• Full establishment occurs within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Establishment time may vary with planting date.

Fertilizer

• Apply 15–20 metric tons of FYM during land preparation.
• Apply nitrogen (30 kg) and phosphorus (20 kg) per acre before sowing.
• Apply additional 30 kg nitrogen per acre after every cutting.

Irrigation

• First irrigation immediately after sowing.
• Second irrigation 5–6 days after sowing.
• Subsequent irrigations every 10 days or as needed.
• After first irrigation, manual weeding and 20 kg nitrogen application are recommended.

Cutting & Harvesting

• First cutting at 50–60 cm height or 50 to 60 days after sowing.
• Subsequent cuttings every 25 to 30 days depending on growth.

Weed Control

Makkhan Grass is very sensitive to herbicides; therefore, no weedicide should be sprayed.