BERSEEM

Berseem is a fast growing, high quality forage that is mainly cut and fed as green chopped forage. Flowers are yellowish-white in color. Berseem can be sown alone or in combination with other species. It is mixed with grass (ryegrass) or with a winter cereal crop such as oats to make high quality silage.

This crop gives best result when grown in medium to heavy soil. It can be grown on sandy loam soil but it requires frequent irrigations. It improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and thus improves its fertility status.

Vardan: It is suitable for cultivation in whole Uttar Pradesh. Gives average yield of 360-400qtl/acre.

Bundelkhand Berseem (J.H.B 146)

Mescavi: Developed by CCS, Hisar. It is suitable for cultivation in entire growing areas. Gives 5-6 cuttings. Gives average yield of 300-340 qtl/acre. 

Bundelkhand Berseem (J.H.T.B 146): It is suitable for cultivation in whole Uttar Pradesh. Gives average yield of 380-440 qtl/acre.

BL 10: It is suitable for cultivation in western Uttar Pradesh. Gives average yield of 400-480 qtl/acre.

Other state varieties:

BL 22: Developed by PAU, Ludhiana. It is suitable for hilly areas of north India and sub-temperate region.

BL 180: Developed by PAU, Ludhiana. It is suitable for growing areas of north India.

HFB 600: Developed by CCS, Hisar. It is suitable for cultivation in entire growing areas. More profitable than Mescavi variety. Resistant to root and stem rot. It gives average yield of 280-300 qtl/acre of green fodder and 36-40 qtl/acre of dried fodder.

For sowing, use leveled land so that water logging conditions will not appeared during growth period. Carry out planking operation after each ploughing.
 

Time of sowing
For high yield, optimum time for berseem cultivation is from 15th October to 15th November.

Spacing
Sowing broadcasting method is used.
 
Sowing Depth
Sowing depth should be 4-5 cm. Complete sowing in evening hours.

Method of sowing
Berseem is sown by broadcasting method.

 

Seed Rate
Use seed free from weeds. Use seed rate of 10-12 kg seeds for one acre.
For good yield, mix 750 gm of mustard seed along with berseem seeds.

Seed Treatment
To separate berseem seeds from weed seeds, put seeds in salty water. Weed seeds are floated on water surface, remove them and then wash seed with fresh water. Then before sowing, treat seeds with Rhizobium culture. Mixed one packet of Rhizobium culture in 10% jaggery solution and then rub this mixture on seeds. Dry them in shade.
 

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Apply Nitrogen@8 kg/acre and Phosphorus@32 kg/acre. Apply nitrogen and phosphorus in form of Urea@18 kg and Superphosphate@200 kg per acre at sowing time.

Bueen is serious weeds of Berseem crop. To control this weed before sowing, spray Fluchloralin @ 400 ml/200 Ltrs of water per acre on seed bed.

First irrigation is important, apply it after germination i.e. within 3 to 5 days in light soil and 8-10 days in heavy soils. Afterwards, apply 2 to 3 irrigation every week. In summer apply irrigation at interval of 8-10 days and 10-15 days during winter. Provide irrigation after each cutting.

• Pest and their control:
  

Grass hopper: It damage crop by eating leaves. It occurred mostly in May-June month. If infestation is observed, spray crop with Malathion 50 EC @ 500 ml in 80-100 Ltr of water per acre. After spraying do not feed cattles for seven days.

Gram Caterpillar: Avoid raising of crop nearby tomato, gram, late sown wheat. If infestation is observed spray with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SL @ 50 ml or Spinosad 48 SC @ 60 ml per acre in 80-100 Ltr water with help of knapsack sprayer.

• Disease and their control:
  

Stem Rot: It is seed borne disease. It causes rotting of stem near soil surface. White fungus growth is observed on near by soil.

Remove and destroyed affected plants. Take spray of Carbendazim @ 400 gm in 200 Ltrs of water per acre.

Crop is ready to harvest 50 days after sowing. After then take cutting with 40 days interval in winter and 30 days interval in spring. Berseem can be mixed with 20% ground maize to provide high quality silage