Abstract
The grasses serve as biological pump because they absorb rainwater and helps in controlling soil and water erosion. Thirteen multi-purpose grasses species namely Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citrratus DC), Mot grass (Pennisetum purpureum S), Khavvi grass (Cymbopogon jawarncusa L), Khabbal grass (Cynodon dactylon L), American grass (Ammophila breviligulata F), Bhabbar grass (Eulaliopsis binata R), Barru grass (Sorghum halepense L), Sireyala grass (Heteropogon contortus L), Pehlwan grass (Digitaria sanguinalis L), Miniyara grass (Agarista ericaceae Taub), Cheetah grass (Acinonyx jabatus L), Love grass (Eragrostis superba Per) and Dhamun grass (Cenchrus setigerus Vahl) were selected and tested against moisture stress. Parameters studied were Biomass (t ha-1 ), Plant height (cm) and Plant Periphery. Results revealed that Cymbopogon citrratus DC showed the best performance with biomass (3.01 t ha-1 and 2.92 t ha-1 ). Heteropogon contortus L attained maximum plant height (150 cm) while Digitaria sanguinalis L attained higher plant periphery (197 cm). Miniyara grass (Agarista ericaceae Taub ), Dhamun grass (Cenchrus setigerus Vahl),Cheetah grass (Acinonyx jabatus L) and Love grass (Eragrostis superba Per) was not established at early stage of experiment so rejected at early stage. The general productivity, freedom from pests, high feeding value, erosion control, not too fertile soil requirement and compatibility with Rainfed area promotes the cultivation of grasses in Rainfed area for multipurpose. Cymbopogon citrratus DC, Pennisetum purpureum S, Eulaliopsis binata R and Digitaria sanguinalis L. showed great adaptability during the study in the sense that they produced maximum biomass but survive even under adverse climatic conditions. Consequently, based on the results Cymbopogon citrratus DC recommended for this region to be established on bunds/ marginal lands to control soil and water erosion and to achieve supplementary benefits.
