Response of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) genotypes to intercropping with forage legumes under varying nitrogen management options

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AbstractGuinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) is an important source of forage in India but it remains dormant during the winter season. The space between rows of grass can be utilized by incorporating forage legumes. This 3‐year study evaluated two genotypes of guinea grass in monocropping and intercropping with cowpea and Egyptian clover under different N management options. Guinea grass genotype BG‐2 produced higher dry‐matter yields than BG‐1, both in monocropping and in intercropping. However, dry‐matter yield of forage legumes was higher under BG‐1. The yield advantage in terms of land equivalent ratio was higher in BG‐1 (1.69) than BG‐2 (1.60). BG‐1 was more dominant than BG‐2 in intercropping. Soil properties such as dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon and available N were improved under grass–legume intercropping compared with grass alone. Higher crude protein and N uptake were also observed in BG‐2. Net returns of grass–legumes intercropping were 30%–40% higher compared with monocropping of guinea grass. Among N management options, higher growth, crude protein content and forage yield were achieved with application of 40 kg N/ha after each cut of guinea grass in double split. Therefore, guinea grass + cowpea–Egyptian clover intercropping with 40 kg N/ha after each grass cut in double split can be suggested for higher forage productivity, profitability and soil properties.