Dry Forage Research Articles

Influence of the seeding rate, row spacing, and cultivar on alfalfa forage yield in the first production year

The cultivated lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown forage legume, mainly due to its high nutritive quality and yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for alfalfa cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Republic of North Macedonia. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2020 using randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. The effects of two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1) and two row spaces (20 and 40 cm) were examined on the fresh forage yield (FFY) and dry matter yield (DMY) of four alfalfa cultivars. Based on the evaluation, the sowing method (row spacing) and cultivar choice have shown a significant impact on the obtained forage yield. Higher average yield of fresh (73.7 t ha-1) and dry (20.3 t ha-1) forage was achieved at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Since the seeding rate did not significantly impact the FFY and DMY, in regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended that lower seeding rates than 16 kg ha-1 should be used in order to have sufficient and cost-effective alfalfa production. The inevitable issues for increasing alfalfa production are the selection of an appropriate cultivar with good adaptability to recent climate change within compatible establishment methods.

96 Using greenhouse gas flux to estimate forage dry matter intake in ad libitum fed replacement heifers

Abstract An accurate estimate of feed intake is a critical component in determining individual animal feed efficiency. However, existing feed intake measurement systems are not designed for unprocessed, dry forage diets. Open-circuit gas flux technology measures enteric gas emissions for cattle in a pasture-based setting. If a significant relationship exists between feed intake and gas emissions, this system could be used to rank grazing cattle for forage intake and forage utilization efficiency. Our objective was to develop prediction equations to estimate forage dry matter intake using gas flux and performance data. Angus and Angus x Hereford heifers [n = 71; initial body weight (BW) 329.5 ± 31.1 kg] were used over 3 yr to measure intake, gain, and gas flux. All heifers were subject to a 21-d adaptation and 71-d intake test using individual intake technology (SmartFeed; C-Lock Rapid City, SD) with a stocking rate of 3.3 heifers per feeder. Throughout the study, heifers were fed a long-stem, unprocessed, grass hay diet (≥ 10.8% CP, 2.0 Mcal ME, and 56% TDN) with ad libitum access to a salt/mineral supplement. The GreenFeed system (C-Lock Rapid City, SD) was used to monitor oxygen (O2) consumption (means ± SD; 3364.4 ± 374.8 g/d), methane (CH4; 181.4 ± 24.3 g/d) and carbon dioxide (CO2) production (4,965.3 ± 494.5 g/d). Body weights were collected every 14 d, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated by regressing BW on day of study. The phenotypic correlations of forage DMI with CO2, CH4, O2, and heat production (HP) were 0.72, 0.66, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively. Average daily gain and midpoint metabolic BW combined with the estimate of daily HP, O2, or CO2 accounted for 60% of the variation in forage DMI. These results suggest that forage intake can be predicted using performance data in conjunction with the GreenFeed gas quantification system.

Effect of Maximum Seasonal Temperature on Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Forage Corn in Consecutive Growing Seasons

High temperature negatively af fects plant growth and crop yield. The aim was to evaluate the ef fect of maximum temperature on yield and water use ef ficiency in forage corn with subsurface drip irrigation and surface irrigation in five consecutive growing seasons (spring and summer) in the comarca Lagunera. The study was carried out at the La Laguna Experimental Field, of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) in Matamoros, Coahuila. The research was carried out during summer 2019, spring 2020, summer 2020, spring 2022, and summer 2022 growing seasons. The variables were: maximum temperature, plant height, dry forage, water depth, and water use ef ficiency. The highest temperatures were recorded in spring 2022 and the lowest in the summer growing season of the same year. Overall, the highest plant heights occurred in the coolest growing season (summer 2022). A higher yield of dry forage (19 Mg ha-1) was in the 2022 summer growing season. The highest water depth was applied in the spring 2022 growing season (71 cm) and the lowest in summer 2020 (55 cm). This resulted in higher water use ef ficiency in summer. The variation in water use ef ficiency between growing seasons was due to higher temperatures in spring. Finally, water use ef ficiency tended to decrease by 19% as temperature increased from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Factors affecting nutrient losses in hay production

AbstractThe primary objective of haymaking is to dry forage adequately to inhibit the growth of undesirable microbes and halt residual plant enzymatic activity that causes nutrient losses. During the field and storage phases of haymaking, the environment, management practices, and other factors influence the extent of dry matter losses. This review discusses these factors and the strategies that have been developed to mitigate nutrient losses. A major emphasis was placed on hay microbiome dynamics, as it has been scarcely studied despite its importance on nutrient losses during storage and harvest, especially under humid conditions. The effects of cutting height, mower type, and swath manipulation on soil contamination were discussed. Also, the impact of environmental conditions and swath manipulation on wilting time was analysed for humid and arid conditions. Special attention was given to design improvements in harvesting equipment to reduce wilting time and field losses. Furthermore, we assessed the nutrient losses during storage caused by microbial and residual plant enzymatic activity resulting from excessive moisture at baling or re‐introduced moisture during storage. The spoilage extent during storage depends on bale moisture, size, density, shape, wrapping, forage type, and storage facilities. A Venn diagram analysis showed that each phase of haymaking process has a unique microbiome and that certain fungal and bacterial genera could be shared across more than one hay production phase. To take corrective actions, hay producers need to be aware of the increased susceptibility to nutrient losses associated with particular field and storage practices, environmental conditions, and forage types.

RESPONSE OF MAIZE HYBRIDS TO IRRIGATION TREATMENTS AT SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT

This experiment was carried out during season of 2020 and 2021 at Erbil governorate to study the forage and grain yield performance of three maize hybrids Zea mays L. as influenced by irrigation skipping at different times. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The irrigation treatments were located at the main plots, and the hybrids were distributed at the subplots. Highly significant effects of irrigation treatments were recorded for forage, grain yield and most of its components at both seasons and their average. The differences among hybrids were not significant for forage yield at both seasons. It was significant for grain yield as the average of both seasons only. The fresh and dry forage yield was affected more by the skipping irrigation during the last two periods of skipping, and the same for the grain yield. That there are no significant differences between the control and skipping during the first period, as the significantly outperformed the grain yield in the last two periods of skipping.

Planting time and seeding rate impact insect feeding, ear rots, and forage nutritive value in silage corn

AbstractPlanting date and seeding rate affect the microclimate within a crop field. They can influence lepidopteran insect infestation and fungal infections and are an important part of crop management strategy. Altering planting date and seeding rate can also influence yield and quality of silage corn (Zea mays L.). Field research was conducted to identify optimum planting time and seeding rate to minimize insect feeding, ear rot infections, and mycotoxin accumulation in silage corn without compromising yield and quality. Replicated field trials were conducted across multiple site‐years in Michigan with three planting dates (early: April 25–May 10; mid: May 11–25; and late: May 26–June 10) and/or four seeding rates (ranging from 69,160 to 113,620 seeds ha−1, in increments of 14,800 seeds ha−1). Mid‐planting yielded 12%–15% less forage than early and late plantings, partly due to greater insect feeding injury and fungal infections observed in the former. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility, starch, and crude protein concentration were greatest for early planting. Greater predicted milk per hectare and milk per megagram for early planting also indicated superior silage quality. Increasing seeding rate increased insect feeding and ear rot injury only when severity was >5% and >15%, respectively. The impact of increasing seeding rate on dry forage yield was specific to each site‐year. Overall, results showed that early planting of silage corn helps to escape insect and disease pressure and provides better yield and quality, while seeding rate response is variable and dependent on the field environment.

Effect of different Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Quality of Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. Abusabien)

The present study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, Sudan. To evaluate the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of Sorghum forage (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. cv Abusabien). The treatments consisted of four levels of nitrogen: control, 43, 86 and 120 kg N/ha (0N, 1N, 2N and 3N). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The parameters measured were: plant population, plant height (cm), number of leaves/plant, fresh weight (ton/ha), dry weight (ton/ha), crude protein (%) content, fat (%) content, fiber (%) content, ash (%) content and carbohydrates (%) content. the results revealed that there were significant differences among the treatments in most characters under study. Nitrogen fertilizer resulted in an increase in growth attributes as well as forage yield. Nitrogen fertilizer dose (120 kg N/ha) produced higher fresh and dry forage at harvest compared to the other treatments. Also the results showed that nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the percentage (%) content of crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrates while decreased fiber percentage (%) concentration compared to the control. The treatment 120 kg N/ha (3N) had highest values of protein (13.68), fat (2.04), ash (12.18) (%) content, while the lowest values (9.73, 1.32 and 10.07) % content respectively, were obtained in the control. Then, based on these findings we recommended that to obtain high growth, forage yield and quality from sorghum forage Abu-Sabeen, nitrogen at the level of (120 kg/ha ) should be applied.

Differences of Maize Fodder Yield and Crop Attributes under Different Irrigation and Nutrient Management

Irrigation and nutrient management are two vital components of modern agriculture playing crucial roles in ensuring optimal plant growth, maximizing crop yields and sustaining agricultural productivity. A field trial was conducted to evaluate how irrigation and nutrient management affect the growth characteristics and dry fodder yield of maize. The experiment involved four irrigation levels viz. no irrigation (I0), one irrigation at 20 days after sowing (DAS) (I1), two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS (I2) and three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS (I3) and four fertilizer levels viz. recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (275-125-80-125-8 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, gypsum and sulphur) (F1), poultry manure (PM) (5 t ha-1) (F2), 75% RDF + PM (2.5 t ha-1) (F3) and 50% RDF + PM (5 t ha-1) (F4). The study was conducted with a split-plot layout and included three replications. Research results demonstrated significant impacts of both irrigation and nutrient management on growth metrics and the production of dry forage. At harvest, the highest plant height (177.72 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (12.16) and chlorophyll content (47.15) were recorded with three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS fertilized with 75% RDF + PM @ 2.5 t ha-1 whereas the highest total dry matter (40.60 g) and dry fodder yield (4.51 t ha-1) was recorded with two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS along with RDF. These results emphasize that maize can produce maximum dry fodder yield with two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS along with RDF whereas three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS fertilized with 75% RDF + PM @ 2.5 t ha-1 obtained the superior growth traits of maize.

Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), adapted to arid and semiarid regions, is grown for seed and petal production, but the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of simultaneous forage and seed production in the autumn and middle types of safflower varieties in dual-purpose cultivation in semiarid areas in the shortfall forage period. An experiment was done based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. The treatments included the cultivation of Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr varieties with the purpose of seed harvesting as control treatments; the same varieties (Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr), once with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% stem elongation stage and seed harvesting; and again with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% branching stage and seed harvesting. The results showed that forage harvesting at the 50% branching stage significantly increased the dry and fresh forage yield compared to the 50% stem elongation stage. The highest fresh and dry forage yields (DFY) (42,229 and 11,266 kg/ha) were related to the Golmehr variety at the 50% branching stage. Forage harvesting at the stem elongation stage decreased the crude protein, protein content, and digestibility compared to the branching stage in three safflower varieties. Parnian variety had the maximum seed yield (2,226 kg/ha) without forage harvesting. The highest seed yield in the second year (2018–2019) of the experiment belonged to the Golmehr variety (1,310 kg/ha) to harvest forage at 50% stem elongation (rapid stem growth) and seed harvest treatment, which compared to the first year (2017–2018), showed an increase of 25%. Finally, the forage harvested amount of all three varieties studied was higher in the branching stage than in the stem elongation stage. These results implied that the Golmehr variety (11,266 kg/ha DFY and 520 kg/ha seed yield) is for dual-purpose cultivation, and the Parnian variety (2,226 kg/ha seed yield) is suitable for only seed production for the semiarid region of Karaj in Iran and similar areas in terms of climate.

Effects of harvest height and time on hay yield and quality of some sweet sorghum and sorghum Sudangrass hybrid varieties.

This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield.

Effects of Different Mixture Ratios of Common Vetch and Triticale on Forage Yield and Silage Quality

In order to obtain high amounts and quality forage in legume grain mixtures, the mixture ratios must be adjusted well. Since grains are tillered due to their physiology, their ratios in roughage are different from the mixing ratios in planting. This is a factor that increases roughage yield and reduces crude protein rate and yield. In addition, in cases where grains are insufficient in terms of minerals in animal nutrition and are planted in mixtures with legumes, the rapid development and high yield effects of grains should be combined with the balanced nutrition potential of legumes in order to obtain better quality feed. In this study, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 75% Vetch + 25% Triticale, 50% Vetch + 50% Triticale, 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale were planted in Sakarya conditions and the effect of the mixture ratios on grass yield was revealed. Additionally, silage was made from the mixtures obtained and the effect of the applied mixture ratios on silage quality was determined. Field trials of the research were carried out in the trial areas of Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. In the experiment, plant height, green and dry forage yield observations were taken. At the end of the maturation period, silage was made in 2 kilogram containers from each parcel as a silage quality criterion; silage dry matter ratio, silage pH, crude protein ratio, ADF and NDF observations were taken. By calculating the physical and sensory analyzes and flieg point used to determine silage quality, the silages obtained from the mixtures were defined in detail by chemical, physical and sensory analyzes and the flieg point. In the study, the highest green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF ratio and flieg point were obtained from 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Triticale and 50% Vetch+50% Triticale mixtures, respectively.

Genetic gains in forage sorghum for adaptive traits for non - conventional area through multi-trait-based stability selection methods.

In the Asian tropics, unpredictable weather increases the risk of abiotic stresses in sorghum areas, making it harder to meet predicted demand. Genotype-by environment interaction (GEI) and the lack of an effective multi-trait-based selection approach make it challenging to breed climateresilient forage sorghum that adapts to nonconventional areas. The present investigation carried out to estimate genetic parameters, inter trait associations, genetic gain under selection (SGs) of 95 diverse forage sorghum genotypes. Fourteen forage yield and other secondary traits were evaluated at five different growing seasons at two locations. Negative and positive genetic gains under selection were estimated across different growing seasons including Kharif, Rabi and Summer in the year 2020 and 2021. The GEI effects were significant (P < 0.001) for all the studied traits. The multi trait based stability indices have been said to assist breeders in ensuring sustained progress in primary traits likeforage yield without sacrificing genetic advancement in secondary traits. Fourteen genotypes were selected through each evaluation methods including genotype - ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait stability and mean performance (MTMPS) and multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAIBLUP Index), assuming 15% selection intensity. According to MGIDI, the selected genotypes exhibited desired positive genetic gains for dry forage yield per plant, inter-nodal length, green forage yield per plant, and plant height and negative genetic gains for days to 50% flowering. The strength and weakness plot is a potential graphical tool as portrayed by MGIDI, to identify and develop desirable genotype for particular environment. Two genotypes, G36 (302B) and G89 (348B) were found to be common across all four evaluation methods based on all the studied traits. Multi-trait stability evaluation approaches are reliable and accessible for selecting multiple traits under varied testing environments with low multicollinearity issues. These tools proved effective in enhancing selection strategies and optimising breeding schemes for the development of climate-resilient forage sorghum genotypes. The aforementioned genotypes were found to be the most reliable, high-yielding, and earlymaturing and could be suggested for variety and hybrid development and ideotype breeding programmes to ensure the food and nutritional security.

Comparison of forages’ digestion levels for different in vitro digestion techniques in horses

Forages are widely used in horse diets. Different in vitro techniques are being tried to determine the fermentation levels of forages in the horse digestive tract. This study aimed to evaluate the digestion levels of four dry forages commonly used in horse nutrition: alfalfa herbage, meadow hay, wheat straw, and Italian ryegrass. In vitro total digestion (TDT), in vitro Sunvold-large intestine digestion (SDT) and in vitro Menke-large intestine digestion (MDT) techniques were compared. The study determined in vitro true dry matter digestion (T-DMD), in vitro true organic matter digestion (T-OMD) and in vitro true neutral detergent fibre digestion (T-NDFD). Additionally, concentrations of straight short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; acetic acid - AA, propionic acid , butyric acid, and valeric acid ) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFA) were assessed. The highest in vitro T-DMD, T-OMD and T-NDFD values were determined by the in vitro TDT for the four forages (p<0.05). In vitro T-DMD and T-OMD values of alfalfa herbage were higher than those of Italian ryegrass, meadow hay and wheat straw in the in vitro TDT (p<0.001). In addition, in vitro T-DMD and T-OMD values of alfalfa herbage in the in vitro SDT were higher than those of meadow hay and wheat straw (p<0.001). In the in vitro TDT, the molarity of AA, total SCFA and BSCFA in the digestion fluid of alfalfa herbage was higher than those of other forages (p<0.05). The in vitro total enzymatic+fermentative digestion technique for horse forages revealed higher values than the in vitro fermentative digestion techniques. In general, the higher the non-structural carbohydrate and crude protein contents in the forage, the higher the results of the in vitro TDT compared to the other techniques.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS ON GROWTH, NUTRITIVE VALUE, AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF BARLEY SPROUTS

Effect of various fertilizing techniques on the growth, nutritive value, and nutritional quality of barley sprouts produced in a hydroponic chamber were examined in this study. Four experimental groups were designed as control (without fertilizer application); S (fertilizer application to seeds before planting); S1 (fertilizer application to sprouts fertilizer after 4 days of planting), and S2 (fertilizer application to seeds before planting and to sprouts after 4 days of planting). The highest shoot height, root length, and fresh and dry forage weights were seen in S2 group. Different fertilizer applications increased the dry matter content and decreased the dry matter loss of sprouts compared to the control group. Crude protein, ether extract, ash, in vitro dry matter digestibility, crude fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents of sprouts were greater in all the treatment groups compared to the control group. After harvesting, lower neutral and acid detergent fibers, nitrogen-free extract, and hemicellulose were detected in the fertilized groups than control group. The relative feed value and relative feed quality in S2 group were the highest among all groups. In conclusion, the application of fertilizer to both seed and sprout may improve the growth, nutrient content, and quality values of barley sprouts. Keywords: Green sprout yield, hydroponic system, Nutritional composition, Hydroponic system.

Effect of Herbicides on Forage Dry Matter Yield and Plant Density in the Old Arable Lands in Communal Area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

With the world’s population growing at an alarming rate, there is an urgent need to improve food security. This study aimed to assess forage dry matter yield and plant density under different herbicide treatments at Kubedlana arable lands. The study was carried out using eight treatments consisting of seven herbicide treatments and a control. Seed mixtures of seven legume species were broadcasted in 24 plots of 3 m × 5 m size. Herbicide treatments including Bendioxide (BEN), Glyphosate (GLY), Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL), Haloxyfop-R methyl and Bendioxide (HBE), Paraquat (PAR), Bendioxide (BRR), and Paraquat (PRR) were applied individually in three plots. Dry matter production and plant densities were determined in five randomly distributed 0.25 m2 quadrats per plot. The results revealed that GLY had a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher effect on the DM yield compared with other treatments. Both BRR and HBE significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased the DM yield. GLY and HBE significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the grass density in 2017 and BRR significantly affected (p &lt; 0.05) the legume density in May 2017 and May 2018, respectively. These results indicate that the application of GlY and HAL resulted in the reduction of grass density. Furthermore, none of the applied chemicals negatively influenced the legume density.

Response of Summer Forage Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Spacing and Seed Rate

A field experiment on “Response of summer forage cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to spacing and seed rate” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The result revealed that significantly the highest plant height was recorded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Higher numbers of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were observed under the line sowing at 45 cm. Cowpea sown at narrow row line sowing at 30 cm produced significantly the highest green forage and dry forage yield. The maximum net realization and benefit cost ratio were recoded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Seed rate of 50 kg/ha recorded significantly higher plant population and plant height. Higher number of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were recorded with seed rate of 30 kg/ha. Higher green forage and dry forage yield were recorded under seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum net realization was accured with the seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum benefit cost ratio was accured with the seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

Understanding salinity stress responses in sorghum: exploring genotype variability and salt tolerance mechanisms.

Salinity, a significant abiotic stressor, adversely affects global plant growth. To address this, monitoring genetic diversity within a plant species germplasm for salt tolerance traits is vital. This study investigates the responses of ten sorghum genotypes to varying salt stress levels (control, 60 mM NaCl, and 120 mM NaCl), aiming to assess genetic diversity. Using a randomized complete block design with three replications and a split-plot arrangement, salt treatments were assigned to main plots, and genotypes were placed in sub-plots. Physiological attributes, including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, CO2 concentration, leaf area index, chlorophyll concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were measured during the 50% flowering stage. Fresh forage yield was evaluated at the early dough stage, while dry forage yield and sodium/potassium concentrations were determined post-drying. Salinity induced 10-23% and 21-47% reductions in forage fresh yield at 60 mM and 120 mM NaCl, respectively, across sorghum genotypes. Forage dry yield also declined by 11-33% at 60 mM NaCl and 30-58% at 120 mM NaCl. Increased oxidative stress markers, proline, soluble carbohydrates, and antioxidant enzyme activity accompanied salinity. Genotypes exhibited diverse responses, with Payam showing significant chlorophyll and yield reductions at 60 mM NaCl and notable stress indicators at 120 mM NaCl. Pegah and GS4 demonstrated robust osmoregulation. In stress tolerance indices, Sepideh excelled at 60 mM NaCl, while GS4 outperformed at 120 mM NaCl. Pegah demonstrated high tolerance at 120 mM NaCl. Our findings highlight the importance of combating oxidative stress, managing water-related stress, and maintaining ionic homeostasis for sorghum's salt stress resilience. Key indicators like K/Na ratio, MDA, MSI, SOD, and proline effectively differentiate between tolerant and sensitive genotypes, offering valuable insights for sorghum breeding. Salt-tolerant sorghum genotypes exhibit stable photosynthesis, improved stomatal function, and membrane integrity through efficient osmotic regulation and robust antioxidant enzyme activity. This capability enables them to sustain performance, minimizing final product loss. The results suggest cultivating salt-tolerant sorghum in saline areas for increased sustainable production, with Pegah and GS4 emerging as promising candidates for further testing in salt-affected environments to obtain reliable yield data.

Comparisons of the Grazing Type Population with Hay-Type Cultivars of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Determination of Their Yield-Related Characteristics under Rainfed Conditions

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage legume crops for increasing the quantity and quality of degraded rangelands. Although rangelands in Türkiye have a great diversity of species in terms of vegetation composition, no cultivar has been developed for grassland rehabilitation. For this reason, improvement for grazing type cultivars is one of the priorities of alfalfa breeding studies. In this alfalfa study, the advanced grazing type population (L-1739), and hay type cultivars (Bilensoy-80, Savaş, Gözlü, and Plato) were evaluated for agro-morphological, and quality traits under the rainfed condition in 2012-2014 and compared in terms of the measured traits. The L-1739 had the highest number of stems, with 22.54 stems per plant in two years. However, the hay-type cultivars had a higher plant height and stem diameter than L-1739. In addition, it produced similar quality but had a lower forage yield. The general yields were 4.46 and 1.37 t ha-1 for green and dry forage, respectively, as a two-year mean. The quality traits of all genotypes tested in the study were similar. As a result, the L-1739 should be used for rangeland rehabilitation by over-seeding and hay-type cultivars (except Gözlü) may be used for establishing artificial pasture on cropland under rainfed conditions. Moreover, hay yield was found to be strongly correlated with plant height and stem diameter. Similar traits and their degree of similarity were determined by the method of cluster analysis.

A RESEARCH ON THE HAY YIELD AND QUALITY OF ALFALFA CULTIVARS WITH DIFFERENT FALL DORMANCY RATES UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE CONDITIONS

This research was carried out as two separate trials established in two different years to determine the effects&#x0D; of different seed ratios and harvest stages of different annual companion crop species on the hay yield and&#x0D; botanical composition of a pasture mixture under Mediterranean climate conditions. The field trials were&#x0D; established in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. The research&#x0D; results showed that barley, annual ryegrass, and berseem clover can be utilized as companion crops in&#x0D; artificial pasture systems. The inclusion of these companion crop species in the pasture mixture resulted in an&#x0D; increase in forage yield and a significant decrease in weed infestation. While delaying the harvest stage of the&#x0D; companion crop does not have a notable effect on the proportion of legumes and weeds in the total biomass, it&#x0D; significantly enhances the dry forage yield and the proportion of grasses in the overall biomass of the mixture.

EFFECTS OF COMPANION CROP ON THE HAY YIELD AND BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF PASTURE UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE CONDITIONS

This research was carried out as two separate trials established in two different years to determine the effects of different seed ratios and harvest times of different annual companion crop species on the hay yield and botanical composition of a pasture mixture under Mediterranean climate conditions. The field trials were established in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. The research results showed that barley, annual ryegrass, and berseem clover can be utilized as companion crops in artificial pasture systems. The inclusion of these companion crop species in the pasture mixture resulted in an increase in forage yield and a significant decrease in weed infestation. While delaying the harvest time of the companion crop does not have a notable effect on the proportion of legumes and weeds in the total biomass, it significantly enhances the dry forage yield and the proportion of grasses in the overall biomass of the mixture.