Effect of introduction of Setaria sphacelata and cutting management on productivity of a natural grassland

An experiment on the introduction of Setaria sphacelata (Schum.) Stapf & C. E. Hubb. ex Moss and cutting management was conducted in a natural grasslan d of Jorhat during 1995 and 1996 under rainfed condition. On an average of 2 years, an introduction of Setaria sphacelata cv. 'Kazungula' proved advan tageous than the cv. 'Nandi' from production and quality point of view. Cut ting management significantly influenced forage production and crude protei n yield. Three cut management proved superior to 1 and 2 cuttings in respec t of forage yield, quality and distribution point of view. The residual ava ilable N and P contents in soil decreased with the increase in number of cu ttings.