Fodder Legumes Research Articles

Do biopores created by perennial fodder crops improve the growth of subsequent annual crops? A synthesis of multiple field experiments

ContextThe subsoil contains valuable nutrient and water resources for crop production, but root growth and therefore resource access can be impeded by compact soil layers. Large-sized biopores formed by perennial taprooted crop species with large root diameters and deep-rooting habit such as chicory and lucerne or anecic earthworms can provide pathways through compacted subsoil layers. Following annual crops may derive benefits from improved root growth, water and nutrient uptake. ObjectiveOur study aimed to explore the extent and mechanisms of growth and yield benefits to annual crops from perennial precrops in long-term crop sequences. MethodsIn five field experiments over 14 years we compared the effect of three precrops, fibrous rooted fescue, taprooted chicory and taprooted legume lucerne, that were cultivated for one, two and three year phases, on soil conditions and crop growth of a sequence of subsequent annual crops. Rooting depth and density as well as growth and yield of subsequent annual crops were monitored for evidence of improved performance related to increased subsoil macroporosity. ResultsWe found that taprooted chicory increased root growth only of following spring crops in the subsoil during dry years. This increased root growth after chicory only benefitted yields of subsequent spring crops in dry years. There were no significant benefits for yields during wet years or long-term effects that could be related to biopores. Lucerne precrops increased plant available nitrogen to depths of 1 m for two years and significantly increased yield, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake for up to 3 years. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the benefits of perennial fodder legumes such as lucerne for a crop sequence, as they improve nitrogen availability in the soils and can significantly benefit yields for multiple years in a row. Benefits on yields of main crops grown in biopore rich conditions seem to be strongly limited to dry and compacted soils with high penetration resistance that are also dependent on climatic conditions and the main crops root architecture. ImplicationsOur findings highlight the potentials of adding perennial fodder legumes to a crop sequence and improve our understanding of precrop effects on crop sequences.

Spatial Spillover Effects of Smallholder Households’ Adoption Behaviour of Soil Management Practices Among Push–Pull Farmers in Rwanda

Push–pull technology (PPT) integrates maize with the legume fodder Desmodium sp. and the border crop Brachiaria sp., aiming to enhance maize production in Rwanda. Despite its potential, the adoption of complementary soil management practices (SMP), vital for PPT’s success, remains low. This study employs spatial econometric methods to evaluate the determinants of SMP adoption and the interdependencies in decision-making among PPT-practicing farmers. We constructed a spatial weight matrix based on a global Moran’s I index and identified optimal model parameters through principal component analysis. Utilizing a spatial Durbin probit model (SDPM), we assessed the spatial interdependence of SMP adoption decisions among maize farmers. Our findings reveal significant spatial dependence in SMP adoption within a 1.962 km radius, with improved seed usage, household income, yield, farmer group membership and size of land cultivated being key factors positively influencing adoption. We propose a “nonequilibrium promotion strategy” to enhance SMP adoption, emphasizing the establishment of pilot regions to broaden outreach. Additionally, fostering technical training and selecting farmers with adequate resources as demonstration leaders can enhance spatial spillover effects. This research provides insights for developing policies to scale up push–pull technology in Rwanda and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Perennial Fodder Crops as a Tool for Soil Carbon Management in Agroecosystems

Carbon sequestration, typically referred to as carbon storage is defined as the “long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations and the ocean, which occurs both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic activities”. With respect to agricultural sector, carbon sequestration is viewed as the capability of agriculture lands to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Out of the different ways in play, cultivation of fodder crops turns out to be promising due to its high biomass production, root proliferation, mostly perennial nature, suitability for wastelands and most importantly as the feed for livestock. Restoration of degraded lands, adoption of pasture-based agroforestry systems, inclusion of grasses, sowing of improved forage species, grazing management, nutrient and water management are strategies that aid in improving carbon sequestration in fodder production systems. Perennial fodder grasses and fodder legumes such as alfalfa are excellent for carbon storage as they do not require replanting after each harvest which avoids soil disturbances that usually associate with annual crops. Carbon neutral methods of cultivation is greatly hoped to convert agriculture from a source of carbon to a permanent sink of carbon at a faster pace.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation for Sustainable Agriculture Development Under Climate Change–New Insights From a Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACTBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legume crops is a crucial ecosystem service that enhances soil nitrogen and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. This study evaluates the factors influencing the proportion of plant nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legume crops. We compiled a global dataset spanning from 1980 to 2018 and used the 15N method to assess the impacts of crop species, climatic conditions, stand composition and nitrogen fertilisation on Ndfa. The global meta‐analysis reveals that the percentage of nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legumes ranges from 5% to 99%, with an average of 68%. Fodder legumes exhibited higher Ndfa, averaging 75%, while grain legumes showed more variability, ranging from 38% to 85%, depending on species and climatic conditions. The significant variability in Ndfa underscores the complexity of the process, which is influenced by species‐specific traits, ecological conditions and competition in mixed stands. However, the current data is insufficient for precise Ndfa estimation in nitrogen balances and decision support tools. The study highlights the need for further research on the impact of nitrogen fertilisation and stand composition on Ndfa. These findings emphasise the potential of BNF to support sustainable agriculture by improving nitrogen availability and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and particularly susceptibility to climate change challenges. To optimise the benefits of BNF, future research should focus on refining fertilisation regimes and exploring species‐specific responses to various ecological conditions. Exploring adaptive strategies, like selecting drought‐tolerant legumes and optimising irrigation, is essential. This will enhance the application of BNF in diverse agricultural systems, contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Root-Zone Bacterial Diversity in Field-Grown Individual Plants from Alfalfa Lines with Wild Relatives in Their Genetic Backgrounds

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vitally important perennial fodder legume worldwide. Given their particular traits, alfalfa crop wild relatives (CWRs) could be used to develop cultivars that can tolerate extreme environmental and climatic conditions. Until now, researchers have overlooked the composition and structure of bacterial communities in the root zone of alfalfa and its relevant CWRs and their influence on forage performance under actual field conditions. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA analysis was performed to investigate the diversity and assemblies of bacterial communities in the bulk soil and in the root zone of individual field-grown Medicago plants arranged in a honeycomb selection design. The plants used in this study were M. sativa × M. arborea hybrids (Genotypes 6 and 8), the closely-related M. sativa nothosubsp. varia (Martyn) Arcang. (Genotype 13), and M. sativa ssp. sativa (Genotype 20). The bacterial communities in the root-zone samples and the assemblies in the bulk soil differed significantly. Genotype 13 was found to have distinct bacterial assemblies from the other genotypes while exhibiting the lowest forage productivity. These findings suggest that plant productivity may influence the composition of bacterial communities in the root zone. Biomarker analysis conducted using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) revealed that only members of the Rhizobiales order were enriched in the M. sativa nothosubsp. varia root zone whereas taxa belonging to Sphingomonas and various Bacteriodota were enriched in the other genotypes. Of the shared taxa identified in the root zone of the Medicago lines, the abundance of specific taxa, namely, Flavisolibacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Sphingomonas, were positively associated with forage yield. This pioneering study, in which the root zones of individual Medicago plants under actual field conditions were examined, offers evidence of differences in the bacterial composition of alfalfa genotypes with varying genetic backgrounds. Its findings indicate that particular bacterial taxa may favorably influence plant performance. This study covered the first six months of crop establishment and paves the way for further investigations to advance understanding of how shifts in bacterial assemblies in alfalfa roots affect plant performance over time.

Evaluation of minerals, trace elements, and antinutritional factors in selected legume fodder species (Fabaceae) with the potential to improve cattle nutrition and gastrointestinal health

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition, trace elements and anti-nutritional factors of fodder species belonging to the family Fabaceae potentially used as an alternative feed for cattle. The proximate composition, particularly dry matter, moisture, fats, crude proteins (CP), carbohydrates, crude fibre (CF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), were analysed, thereby, nonfibre carbohydrate (NFC) and gross energy (GE) were calculated. Thirty-three trace elements were determined from chemically digested dried plant material using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-OES (ICP-Optical Emission Spectrophotometry). The tannin levels, a known antinutritional factor, were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu method. The methods were validated by the relative standard deviation (RSD) values and acceptable recovery percentage, linearity, limit of quantification (LoQ), and limit of detection (LoD). The proximate composition analysis estimated levels of dry matter (> 90 %), ash (3.77–26.98 %), crude proteins (8.22–22.19 %), carbohydrates (54.00–86.79 %), crude fibre (10.54–40.10 %), NDF (22.26–59.20 %) and GE (< 100 Kcal kg−1 DM) in leguminous species. Essential elements were detected in recommended levels including Zn (21.20–50.30 mg/kg), Co (0.06–0.045 mg kg), Cr (0.5–5.08 mg kg−1), Mn (9.02–197 mg kg−1), Mg (0.10–0.52 mg kg−1), Fe (42.40–812 mg kg−1) and Na (72.00–1721 mg kg−1). The concentration of toxic elements was below critical levels and tannin occurred at a safe level (< 50 mgTAE kg−1) for ruminant consumption. Therefore, the selected fodder can effectively contribute to cattle dietary requirements for smallscale farmers in Onderstepoort, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Livestock feed resources used as alternatives during feed shortages and their impact on the environment and ruminant performance in West Africa: a systematic review.

Ruminant feed is a major problem for the livestock sector in West African developing countries causing animal nutritional diseases, reducing ruminant production, and creating a massive ecological crisis through greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative feeds, which include agro-industrial by-products, fodder trees, crop residues, insects, fodder legumes, algae, and pulses, constitute enormous feed resources for livestock in Africa. This study was conducted in accordance with the methodological recommendations of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We conducted a literature search using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify documents related to alternative ruminant feeds using the following keywords: alternative feeds, ruminant products, environmental impacts, and West Africa. Those that met the inclusion criteria were included, resulting in 44 articles published between 2013 and 2023. These studies included 45 alternative feeds divided into six groups, including agro-industrial by-products (48.89%), followed by fodder trees (17.78%), crop residues (13.33%), insects (8.89%), fodder legumes (6.67%) and seaweeds (4.44%). Our results revealed that alternative feed resources and their effects on ruminant's performances and environment are poorly known in West Africa, which limits their inclusion in rations and sometimes leads to their misuse. Future research should focus on these aspects in order to make efficient use of these resources to improve ruminant milk and meat production.

Appraisal of Spatial Distribution and Fibre Degradability of Cereal–Legume Fodders to Enhance the Sustainability of Livestock Feed Supply in Sub-Tropics

Fodder scarcity, inadequate nutritional quality, and lack of degradation kinetics research are among the serious concerns hindering sustainable development of livestock globally. Rumen degradation kinetics data on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in buffaloes are lacking for most tropical forage species. This study evaluated the effect of forage species, family, and growing location on NDF concentration and in situ degradability of six tropical cereal and four legume fodder crops. The fodder crops were grown following uniform recommended agronomic practices at three different agroecological locations and harvested at the appropriate growth stage: cereals at booting and legumes at 50% flowering. Later, the dried ground forage samples were incubated in the four rumen-cannulated Nili-Ravi buffalo cows in a four × two × three split-plot design for 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 96, and 168 h. The degradation fractions and degradability, expressed either on an NDF or dry matter basis, were considerably affected by forage family (cereal vs. legume) and growing locations and their interaction. Legume fodders degraded more rapidly but to a lesser extent than cereal fodders. The chemical components, notably the NDF, showed a significant but moderate negative relationship with the effective NDF degradability. Among studied fodders, the legumes had a significantly lower NDF concentration and subsequent degradability than the cereals. Although the cereals showed a slower rate of NDF degradation, their overall degradability was higher. The agro-climatic variability among three locations strongly impacted the NDF concentrations and fractions in the tropical forages. Effective NDF degradability was also correlated with the fodders’ NDF concentration, especially in cereals where the nature of the correlation was negative. In conclusion, the nutritional composition and NDF degradation parameters of the fodders were significantly affected by the species, family, and location of growth and their interactions. These results will help to improve agronomy and usage of these important fodder crops.

Genetic Analysis and Identification of Linked SSR Markers for Erectness in Forage Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Background: Cowpea is an important fodder legume crop due to its high protein content and fast growing nature. Cowpea can be grown as sole crop or it can also be grown as intercrop with some non legume such as maize, pearl millet or sorghum. Mostly the farmers prefer erect or semi erect high yielding cowpea varieties as an intercrop because they are easy to harvest. The transfer of erectness along with other forage traits can be done with proper knowledge of gene action controlling that particular trait. Methods: To improve the fodder yield, two sets of crosses along with their segregating generations were analysed for erectness along with other forage traits to estimate the type of gene action through generation mean analysis. Identification of SSR primers associated with erectness was also carried out in F2 population of a Cross (C-88 x TNFC 6926). Result: The scaling test showed significant results for most of the traits indicating the presence of epistatic interactions. The six-parametric model test was performed and the results indicated the significant overall mean and traits were inherited quantitatively. The high magnitude of additive x additive gene effect for green fodder yield suggests the pedigree method is most suitable breeding programme for development of fodder cultivars with better quality traits. Out of 151 SSR primers, 15 SSRSs showed polymorphism between two parental lines. Out of these 15 SSR primers, three primers showed linkage with erectness.

Assessment of Annual Leguminous Forage Varieties in Cotton Inter cropping: Evaluating Green Fodder Yield and Dry Matter Production

Intercropping is an agronomic technique and is considered to be an effective and potential mean of increasing crop production per unit area and time (Ahmad and Anwar 2001). Legume intercrops are included in cropping system due to their ability to reduce soil erosion, improving land productivity through soil amelioration, suppress weeds and fix nitrogen. Intercropping cotton is significant because of higher profit and stabilized yield advantage, especially under adverse climatic conditions (Aladakatti et al., 2011). In this aspect, intercropping of short duration legumes in cotton has no adverse effect on cotton performance but an additional yield of legume makes the system more profitable. Rochester et al. (2001) studied the contribution of legume crops such as faba bean (Vicia faba), field pea (Pisum sativaum) and lab-lab (Lablab purpureus) on nitrogen fertility of cotton cropping system. The present study was undertaken in order to develop a compatible, short duration legume fodder and to assess the feasibility of different annual legume fodders for higher green fodder production. The field experiments were conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal, under irrigated condition, during July-August of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Experimental procedures were adopted to analyze the effects of various fertilizer levels on green fodder yield of various leguminous fodder crops viz., fodder cowpea (var. CO (FC)-8), mothbean (var. TMV (mb)-1), horse gram (var. Paiyur-2) and pillipesera. The results indicated that green fodder yield recorded at harvest stage (55 Days After Sowing (DAS)) was influenced by various fertilizer levels of Bt cotton. With respect to green fodder yield fodder cowpea (17407 and 14431 kg ha-1), horse gram (4439 and 4662 kg ha-1), moth bean (10041 and 10010 kg ha-1) and pillipesera (3066 and 2720 kg ha-1) recorded higher yield with application of 150% RDF and it was followed by 125% RDF and 100 RDF during first- and second -year study. Similarly, application of 150% RDF (F3) recorded more dry matter production (DMP) value, for all leguminous fodder crops during first (184.8, 305.6 and 452.7 kg ha-1) and second year study (169.9, 291.2, 450.2 kg ha-1) at all growth stages viz., 20, 40 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively.

Low-Waste Technology of Fodder Grass Processing

The article describes the peculiar features of plant processing for the conservation of fodder made of the leafy mass of hard-to-ensilage legume family cultures in agricultural complexes and deficiencies of the traditional treatment of the feedstock. The current technology of mechanical fractionation of legume grasses suggests the production of the basic product - the protein concentrate. The by-products are press residues - grass pulp and protein-free liquid, which are production wastes. The purpose of this work was to develop a comprehensive method of plant resources' use with waste disposal and application in fodder production. The novelty of the work is the method of combining the dehydration of the vegetative organs of the hard-to-ensilage sown legume fodder grasses through mechanical pressing and drying and the use of the resulting wastes - the press residues as raw material for fodder preparation. The humidity of the press residues was to be reduced to the level required for making haylage by using the method of low-temperature final drying in an experimental unit - a continuous-action direct heated drier. The results of studying the possibility of reducing the humidity of the press residues by low-temperature direct-heated drying and using it as raw material for haylage are presented in the article. The temperature and time ranges for the material drying in a direct-heated drier were established. The chemical composition of the vegetable stock and resulting haylage was analyzed, and the composition of the fermentation products, the feed, and caloric values, and the potential safety for animal organisms were determined. The suggested method ensures the comprehensive processing of the herbage with waste disposal and the production of high-quality animal fodder. In terms of quality parameters and environmental safety, the obtained fodder conformed to the regulatory requirements for the haylage to be used in the cattle stock diet.

Agrosilvopastoral systems for improved crop and fodder productivity and soil health in the rainfed environments of South India

CONTEXTLivestock and crop productions are always intrinsically linked in risk prone rainfed farming. Agrosilvopastoral systems ensures supplementarity of resources, feed availability for goat and sheep, and food grain for farmers. Agrosilvopastoral system approach is an attempt to tackle fodder shortages in winter (December–February) and summer (March–June), which can meet the small ruminants' requirements in addition to food grains for human consumption in rainfed areas. OBJECTIVESThe objective of the study was to evaluate and identify an agrosilvopastoral system suited to rainfed environments to ensure high crop and fodder productivity and improved soil health. METHODSA field experiment on agrosilvopastoral system was conducted during 2019–2022 at Hayathnagar research farm of ICAR-CRIDA (17°19′59.0“N Lat. and 78°35’25.3”E Long.) in different combinations of fodder trees with finger millet and legume fodder, and finger millet and legume fodder (stylos) each as check. The fodder trees were: Ailanthus excelsa, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia latifolia, Madhuca longifolia, Hardiwickia binata, Butea monosperma, Syzygium cumini, Aegel marmelos and Bauhinia variegata. Finger millet and stylos were sown as inter-row and intra-row components of fodder trees. Impacts of these systems on crop, tree and livestock productivity from harvested fodders, and soil health were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe Hardiwickia binata + finger millet + stylos and Dalbergia latifolia + finger millet + stylos based agrosilvopastoral systems produced 1.32 and 1.28 t ha−1 of finger millet yield respectively, and 7.64 and 7.95 t ha−1 green fodder respectively, from fodder trees, finger millet straw and stylos together. There were increases in soil N (36 and 33%), P (65 and 63%), and organic carbon (36 and 35%), and decrease in bulk density (6%) respectively, over initial status under the Hardiwickia binata + finger millet + stylos and Dalbergia latifolia + finger millet + stylos based systems. Hardiwickia binata based system accumulated highest above ground biomass of 17.5 t ha−1. These agrosilvopastoral systems ensured improved fodder availability from crop, legume and trees for small ruminants, improved soil health from fodder legume in wet season, grain availability for farmers from finger millet, and the fodder leaves from trees in the late dry season. SIGNIFICANCEOur study demonstrated that the Dalbergia latifolia + finger millet + stylos and Hardiwickia binata + finger millet + stylos based agrosilvopastoral systems is a feasible option to meet the fodder requirement of small ruminants, improve soil health, lessen vulnerability to crop failure, and improve livelihood security of rainfed farmers in South India.

Fodder legumes during the milking capacity increasing period

Fodder legumes during the milking capacity increasing period

Organic agriculture in the function of sustainable development of rural areas of the Republic of Srpska

Organic agriculture in the function of sustainable development of rural areas of the Republic of Srpska

EFFECT OF LEGUME FODDER ON RUMEN DEGRADATION OF SORGHUM FODDER BY SHEEP

In an agro-pastoral setting where land is a constraint to crop and livestock production, improvement in cereal and legumes for their food value will need to be evaluated for their corresponding improvement for feed. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of legume fodder on degradability of sorghum fodder from improved cereal and legume cultivars. In Sacco rumen degradation technique was used and cultivars of groundnut (samnut23 and samnut26), cowpea (X-IITA) and sorghum (DEKO) were evaluated and examined. Mixed proportions of cereal and legumes as 60:40, 50:50 &amp; 40:60 were ruminally degraded by Yankasa sheep. Results from the experiment unveiled mixture of 50:50 (Deko: samnut26) had better proximate composition, while mixture of 50:50 (Deko:X-IITA) was better in fiber composition. The Potential Degradabilities of both mixtures were 66.94% and 54.46% effectively degraded, respectively. It can be concluded that mixture of 50:50 (Deko: Samnut26) and mixture of 50:50 (Deko:X-IITA) facilitates the effective degradation of sorghum fodder. It is therefore recommended that the cultivars be promoted to farmers and the residue from Deko, haulms from Samnut23 and Samnut26; and X-IITA be fed to sheep at 50:50 for proper residue utilization.

Plant biomass and seed production of the legumes Aeschynomeme histrix and Stylosanthes hamata and the potential of endozoochory by cattle and sheep in semi-arid native pastures

Endozoochory is a substantial vector for seed dispersal and plays an important role in vegetation dynamics, mainly in colonisation processes through seed input to the vegetation and soil seed bank. We investigated the endozoochorous seed input by cattle and sheep on a pasture located in the western region of Burkina Faso. Through germination experiments, we assessed viable seed content of the dung of these grazing animals to estimate their suitability and efficiency for seed dispersal of fodder legumes. Cattle and sheep were daily fed seeds of Sthylosanthes hamata and Aeschynomene histrix, mixed with cotton seed cake. Faeces containing seeds of both legumes were collected 24 h after feeding. One part of faeces samples was spread in buckets of soil for direct germination in the greenhouse to evaluate germinating seed content. To improve pastures, a randomized completed design with 6 replications was conducted with both legumes and phosphorus fertilization (0 and 100 kg/ha of P2O5) and year as experimental factors. Recovery of A. histrix seeds was better than that of S. hamata with cattle (18 and 9%, respectively) compared to sheep. Seed recovered from faeces had higher germination with sheep than cattle. Thus, S. hamata seed recovered from faeces germinated well (12 and 45% with cattle and sheep, respectively, than fresh seeds used as control. However, A. histrix's seeds recovered from faeces germinated less than control (P < 0.001). The findings confirmed that ruminants could be used for targeted legume seed dispersal in natural pastures. A. histrix and S. hamata have high potential for plant biomass and seed production when phosphorus is applied. Seed ingestion by ruminants should be undertaken for improving natural pastures in semi-arid zones as lower cost practice.

Productivity of Nitrogen Accumulated in Alfalfa–Grass Sward Cultivated on Soil Depleted in Basic Nutrients: A Case Study

The productivity of fodder legumes, based on internal sources of N, may be limited due to an insufficient supply of nutrients responsible for the efficient use of N accumulated by the crop during the growing season. Production risk occurs on soils that are naturally poor or depleted in nutrients that are decisive for the fixation and utilization of N2 by alfalfa. This hypothesis was validated on the basis of a field experiment with an alfalfa–grass mixture carried out over three main seasons (2012−2014) on soil low in available potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). The experiment involved two factors that contained two levels of applied gypsum (GYP: 0, 500 kg ha−1) fertilized with P and K (POT: absolute control—AC, P60K0, P60K30, P60K60, and P60K120). In each main season of the alfalfa–grass mixture, the sward was mowed three times (three cuts). The total sward yield (TY) reached its maximum in the second main season (15.6 t DW ha−1), then it significantly decreased. The sward yield of the third cut was the main driver of the TY. The content of P in the first cut, and especially P and S in the third cut of the sward, affected the N:P and P:S ratios, which, in turn, determined the productivity of the alfalfa–grass mixture. The total amount of accumulated N (TN) in the sward significantly responded to gypsum and PK fertilizers. In the first and third main seasons, the highest TN was found on the plot fertilized with both gypsum and 120 kg K2O ha−1. In the second main season, the TY was determined by PK dose, being variable in successive years. The highest total N accumulation (TN) was recorded in the second main season. It reached 504 kg N ha−1 on the plots with GYP−0 and 436 kg N ha−1 for GYP−500. However, the corresponding TY was 16.7 and 17.3 t DW ha−1. This apparent discrepancy was due to the much higher productivity of N, which was 33.2 and 39.6 kg fodder DW ha−1 TN, respectively. These two characteristics clearly indicate that the productivity of the accumulated N by the alfalfa–grass sward was significantly restricted by the shortage of P and S. The studies clearly emphasized that the sward of the alfalfa–grass mixture grown on soil depleted in available K, Ca, and S responds significantly to the combined application of gypsum and potassium, but provides effective control of the P supply, even on soil rich in available P.

Potential of indigenous legume fodder tree and shrubs to animal feed and mitigation of methane emission in the semi‐humid condition of southern Ethiopia

AbstractThe study was conducted to investigate the in vitro gas production characteristics and methane (CH4) emission potential of indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs (ILFTS). The most predominant 11 ILFTS species were selected, and leaves and fruit/pod samples were collected, oven dried, and ground. The potential leaf biomass yield (PBY), dry matter (DM), ether extract, digestible crude protein, carbohydrate (CHO), acid detergent lignin, ash, total phenol, condensed tannin, gross energy, digestible energy, metabolizable energy (ME), gas production characteristics, CH4 emissions, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) were determined. ANOVA and independent t test were used to examine variation among species in plants nature and between fruits and pods within agroecosystems, respectively. Correlation analysis was used to determine relationships among parameters. The study indicated that only DM and CHO showed substantial variation in nutritional quality parameters among trees, shrubs, and fruit/pods in the lowlands. Fruits/pods and trees displayed significant differences in gas production characteristics in the lowlands, unlike shrubs, which had non‐substantial variations. Moreover, the PBY, CH4 emission, OMD, and ME of ILFTS revealed substantial variation (P &lt; .05) with species and among trees, shrubs, and fruits/pods in both agroecosystems. Besides, CH4 production showed a positive significant correlation with gas volume and (b) substantiating the effect of rate and degree of fiber fermentation on CH4 emission. It was discovered that there was a positive significant correlation between the 6 and 24 h incubation period, (c) which substantiated the need for optimal microbial density and substrate for high rate constant gas production of b (c). In conclusion, ILFTS produce considerable biomass rich in nutrients but vary in the degradability of CHO with plant nature, species, and forage origin. This elicits differences in gas production characteristics and CH4 emission with in vitro fermentation, resulting in differences in the corresponding OMD, ME, and SCFA values.

Influence of drought and heat stresses in fodder legumes productivity and nutritive value

Plants are often subjected to several environmental constraints in the field, often simultaneously, which significantly affect their productivity. Among these constraints, water deficit and heat stress are the main constraints limiting plant yield in the arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. Both of these abiotic factors are exacerbated by climate change. Fodder legumes provide a rich resource of plant nutrition to human diets, and are vital for food security and sustainable cropping. Numerous biochemical, molecular, and physiological responses are evoked by drought and heat stresses, influencing the fodder crop yield and nutritional value. When plants are water stressed, they are unable to maintain good growth and produce high yields. Drought also reduces the protein content of the plants, which can lead to a decrease in forage quality. Heat can negatively affect the productivity of forage legumes. High temperatures can cause heat stress which can lead to decreased photosynthesis and reduced productivity. In addition, high temperatures can result in decreased forage quality and increased nutrient losses. Exposure to combined water stress and heat can reduce the protein, fiber and mineral content of forage legumes and can also reduce their digestibility. This review summarizes the current status of the effects of drought and heat stresses on forage crops productivity and fodder quality.

The economic potential of organic production for stockless arable farms importing biogas digestate: A case study analysis for western Germany

CONTEXTMost stockless organic farms depend on the import of organic nitrogen. Biogas digestates offer an interesting solution to address this need for flexible nitrogen fertilizers. Their application could support the conversion of specialized arable farms, contributing to the politically targeted expansion of organic production. However, various regulations on the use of off-farm biogas digestates exist, which differ considerably in allowed N imports. Despite the growing interest in the application of biogas digestates in stockless organic farming in practice and research, its impacts on the economic potential of converting from conventional to organic farming have not been investigated. OBJECTIVEThis study assesses the economic potential of organic production for specialized arable farms without taking up animal production based on cooperating with a conventional biogas plant. The study considers the impacts of different regulations on importing off-farm biogas digestates. METHODSThe assessment employs the bio-economic farm model FarmDyn to evaluate multiple economic performance indicators for three stockless arable case study farms with varying cropping patterns under conventional and organic production. The German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia serves as the case study area. A large-scale sensitivity analysis quantifies the impact of relevant parameters with a high uncertainty or possible large impact. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that organic farming has a high economic potential for specialized arable farms when biogas digestate is applied. Taking existing subsidies into account, organic farming economically outperforms conventional production for all assessed farms and regulatory scenarios. However, stronger restrictions on the application of biogas digestates shift crop rotations toward higher shares of crops with low nutrient requirements and legumes. This reduces, especially in case of fodder legumes, revenues and increases labor requirements, and lowers profitability and labor productivity. Distance to the biogas plant and subsidies for organic production impact strongly on profitability, whereas input prices show small effects. Results underline that the economic performance of stockless organic farming depends highly on import possibilities of nutrients. Furthermore, they suggest that subsidies for organic farming should better reflect its economic potential across farm types to reduce deadweight effects and boost conversion where it is costly. SIGNIFICANCEThe study is the first to assess the impact of different regulations governing the import of fermentation substrates on the economic potential of stockless organic farming for specialized arable farms. This is relevant as conversion of stockless arable farms is lagging behind but could considerably contribute to reach policy targets for organic production.