Abstract
ABSTRACT To identify the optimum intercropping system of sorghum and clover in terms of quantity and quality of forage yield, a two-year experiment was conducted in a semi-arid region of Iran, during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Treatments consisted of eight cropping systems: S75C25 (75% sorghum + 25% clover), S50C50 and S25C75, as replacement series; S100C50, S50C100, and S100C100 as additive series; and sole cultures of sorghum and clover. The highest and lowest dry matter (DM) yield (29.17 and 10.71 Mg·ha-1) were found in the S100C100 and clover monoculture systems, respectively. Although the highest content of crude protein (CP) and digestible dry matter (DDM) were recorded from clover monoculture, the maximum yield of CP and DDM were obtained from the S100C100. Increasing the proportion of clover in intercropping decreased the acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, increased the relative feed value, net energy for lactation and dry matter intake. Increasing the proportion of sorghum in intercropping improved the yield of DM, CP and DDM. The land equivalent ratio for DM yield was higher than one in all intercropping treatments but were significantly higher in the additive intercropping systems. Overall, it could be concluded that sorghum and clover additive intercropping systems increased forage yield and quality, however if simultaneous increase of the quantity and quality of forage is the interest of this study then the S100C100 system had a significant advantage over other treatments and can be a suitable alternative for sorghum and clover monoculture systems in semi-arid regions.
Highlights
Inefficient use of available limited resources is one of the most important factors that limit crop production in semiarid climates (Golzardi et al 2017)
The highest content of crude protein (CP) and digestible dry matter (DDM) were recorded from clover monoculture, the maximum yield of CP and DDM were obtained from the S100C100
It could be concluded that sorghum and clover additive intercropping systems increased forage yield and quality, if simultaneous increase of the quantity and quality of forage is the interest of this study the S100C100 system had a significant advantage over other treatments and can be a suitable alternative for sorghum and clover monoculture systems in semi-arid regions
Summary
Inefficient use of available limited resources is one of the most important factors that limit crop production in semiarid climates (Golzardi et al 2017). In semi-arid conditions, irregular rainfall combined with low soil fertility reduces the optimum production of monoculture systems. Potential methods for maximizing crop production efficiency using limited resources in semi-arid conditions include using low demanding crops for resources, applying water-saving techniques (Golzardi et al 2017), and intercropping (Iqbal et al 2019). The optimal planting arrangement is an important factor in intercropping systems that determines the optimal use of available resources, including radiation (Bakhtiyari et al 2020). Forage with low amounts of NDF or ADF is of higher quality than forage with high amounts of ADF and NDF (Ates et al 2010). Iqbal et al (2018) reported that forage sorghum intercropped with soybean in 2–3 row proportion produced the highest protein and ash content along with the lowest fiber concentration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
