Study phenology and productivity of foxtail millet (Setaria italika ssp. mocharicum Alef) as non-traditional forage crop under the Pleven region

Abstract

Experience is displayed during the period 2010 – 2012. The aim of the field experiment is to study the phenology and productivity of foxtail millet (Setaria italika ssp. mocharicum Alef) as non-traditional forage crop under the Pleven region. It was found that the growing period of foxtail millet is extremely short – from 92 to 102 days. The leaves and panicle represent 50% of the total share of plants. Dry matter yield average for the period is relatively high – 684.5 kg/da. The resulting crude protein feed is equal to 73.7 kg/da. The grain yield is equal to 224.6 kg/da, and the crude protein reaches 29.3 kg/da. While growing the foxtail millet at the fodder production was obtained with 151.5% higher yield of crude protein in comparison to that harvesting of grain.