LAUSR

In this study soil was covered with wheat straw in four rates (0, 10, 20 and 30 t / ha) to investigate effect of soil covering on growth and forage yield of millet (Pennicitum americanum L.) during two season spring and autumn of 2009. The results showed significant differences between the three growth stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages) (different cutting periods) in all millet plant parameters (plant height, branch number, leaf area, fresh and dry forage yield and its components) studied during spring and autumn seasons. As for wheat straw covering treatments the results showed significant differences in the total millet fresh weight and its components stem and leaves in addition to plant height during spring, but for autumn season the results indicated significant differences between treatments in stem fresh weight and plant height. There is also significant interaction between cuttings and treatments for the total fresh weight, fresh weight of leaves and plant height during spring, with no significant interaction between cuttings and treatments during autumn season. Covering the soil with wheat straw have positive effects on growth parameters of millet crop.