Question

Seed rate of fodder oats is:

• A. 20 kg/ha
• B. 50 kg/ha
• C. 100 kg/ha
• D. 200 kg/ha

Hint:

To ensure quick regeneration and multiple cuts, feed oats should be sown at the recommended rate of 100 kg/ha and irrigated immediately after sowing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sowing at the correct seed rate ensures an optimum plant population, which is crucial for maximizing biomass yield and fodder quality.
Fodder crops generally require higher seed rates than grain crops to establish a dense, fine-stemmed canopy and discourage weed competition.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Oats (\( Avena\ sativa \)) is a popular winter (rabi) fodder crop in Northern and Western India due to its palatability and high nutrient content.
For fodder production, a dense vegetative stand is preferred over large individual seed heads.
The recommended seed rate for fodder oats varies slightly depending on the sowing method:
1. For line sowing, a seed rate of \( 80 \) to \( 100\text{ kg/ha} \) is recommended.
2. For broadcasting, a slightly higher seed rate of \( 100 \) to \( 120\text{ kg/ha} \) is used to compensate for uneven seed placement.
A seed rate of \( 20\text{ kg/ha} \) or \( 50\text{ kg/ha} \) is too low, resulting in a thin, patchy stand and increased weed competition.
A rate of \( 200\text{ kg/ha} \) is excessively high, leading to lodging, high seed costs, and poor plant development.
Therefore, \( 100\text{ kg/ha} \) represents the standard, scientifically recommended seed rate.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The optimum seed rate for fodder oats is 100 kg/ha.