Robiul Islam M., Egrinya Eneji A., Ren C., Li J., Hu Y.
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nig
Robiul Islam, M., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; Egrinya Eneji, A., Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Ren, C., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China, Baicheng Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Baicheng, Jilin Province, 137000, China; Li, J., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Hu, Y., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Oat is a promising forage crop in arid northern China where low precipitation, land degradation and shortage of forage resources for animal production during winter have accentuated the need for alternative forage crops. Our objective was to determine the growth, biomass production and grain yield plus forage quality of oat (Avena spp.) using different rates of superabsorbent polymer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg/ha) in an erosion-prone arid sandy soil with limited irrigation. Baiyan 7 (B7), a forage producing hulled oat (Avena sativa L.) and Baiyan 2 (B2), a dual purpose (grain and forage producing) naked oat (Avena nuda L.) were used. The above-ground biomass increased significantly (87.3%) in B7 and slightly (18.3%) in B2 with the application of superabsorbent polymer at 60 kg/ha. The below-ground biomass, grain yield and number of panicles as well as tiller fertility rate and relative water content were also increased significantly in B7 and slightly in B2 at the superabsorbent rate of 60 kg/ha. Weed interferences in the crop field had significant positive correlations with superabsorbent polymer rates and B2 was much more affected by weed than B7. Application of superabsorbent polymer also increased the relative feed value (RFV) in B7 and grain quality of B2. The optimum application of superabsorbent polymer in the study area would be 60 kg/ha. The B7 cultivar would be more competitive in efficiently utilizing water from the polymer for growth under water stress than B2. © 2011 Academic Journals.