Introduction
A range of factors influencing the growth of the individual plants affects the yield/ biomass. The main factors affecting fodder plant’s growth and yield can be grouped into four broad categories
- Climatic: Radiation, day length, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation.
- Soil factors: Soil fertility, physical properties, soil moisture, topography, etc.
- Fodder species: Genetic potential for biomass yield and nutritive value, adaptation to the environment, plant competition, etc.
- Fodder/ pasture Management: Fertilizer application, weed management, cultural practices, etc.
The availability of environmental resources required for plant growth is mainly influenced by factors such as soil type ( pH, depth, structure) , altitude, aspect, wind and farm management decisions ( fertilizer rates, time of cultivation, harvest, irrigation, sowing rates, etc.)
Methods of increasing the efficiency of growth of crops
- There are many ways in which farmers can increase the efficiency of growth of crops.
- Among the possible ways are early sowing, increased plant population, precise geometric sowing, irrigation, use of mineral nutrients and control of pests.
- A close look at all of these options suggests that the key mechanisms behind them is to increase the amount of radiant energy that the crop can interact.