Influence of Methods and Time of Sowing on Growth and Forage Productivity of Sorghum and Pearl Millet Plants

TNO FODDER species namely millets and sorghum grass were grown al Experimental Research - farm of Desert Research Centre at south of Sinai, Egypt (160 km north east of Cairo), during summer seasons 2004 and 2005. Objective of this study was to quantify growth, biomass production and chemical composition of two fodder species . Three sowing dates (1 April, mid- April and I May) and two sowing methods (row and in ridges) were tested under saline conditions.The two plant species were irrigated with ground brackish well- water about 4000 p.p.m. Results summarized are as follows: The maximum yield and the most growth characters were obtained at sowing date mid-April followed by early May. The greatest yield was observed when sowing in hills on ridges methods. Growth characteristics were increased with sowing in hills on ridges comparing to sowing in rows. Millets was surpass in production, growth and chemical content on sorghum plants.Interactions between the three main factors were significant for growth and productivity