Chromium (VI) influenced nutritive value of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the chromium (VI) accumulation in various plant parts supplied in soil in the form of potassium dichromate (0–4 × 10−3 g/kg soil) and its toxicological effects on the nutritive value of forage sorghum along with advancement of crop maturity. Nutritive value was measured in terms of various quality parameters like protein, hydrocyanic acid (HCN) content, structural carbohydrates and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). While fibre components and HCN content increased, protein content and IVDMD decreased with increasing Cr levels. Chromium accumulated in various plant parts followed the order – roots > shoots > leaves. It is concluded that Cr (VI) at higher doses adversely affects the nutritive value of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.).