Grass Legume Research Articles

Nitrogen Residual Effect of Winter Cover Crops on Maize in Uruguay: Conventional and Isotopic Evaluation

This study aimed to evaluate the nitrogen (N) residual effects of winter cover crops (CCs) on soil N availability and corn (Zea mays L.) performance over two growing seasons and at two sites in Uruguay. Both conventional and isotopic methods were used to assess the N residual effects of two legume monocultures, a legume–grass mixture, an oat monoculture, and a control without CCs. The experimental design was a randomized block with split plots, where CCs were applied to main plots and N rates (0 and 100 kg ha⁻1) to subplots. An isotopic trial with 15N was included to measure fertilizer N use efficiency (NUE). Results varied between sites: at Site 1, legume monocultures enhanced soil N availability and, along with N rate, significantly increased corn yield and N uptake. At Site 2, only the N rate affected these variables. Site 1 had a low crop 15N recovery, averaging 9.5% due to weeds and heavy rainfall, while Site 2 showed higher recovery, notably when corn succeeded lupine (35%) and mixture CCs (40%). The soil’s top layer and corn grain showed the highest 15N concentration. The study suggests that specific CC combinations tailored to site conditions may optimize corn yield and NUE.

Using Legume-Enriched Cover Crops to Improve Grape Yield and Quality in Hillside Vineyards

Natural covering (NATC) has spread on hillside vineyards of central Italy as a replacement for tillage to reduce soil erosion, although it increased nitrogen and water needs. Therefore, in the current context of global warming, using cover crops (CCs) that require less water and provide nitrogen becomes crucial. The effects of two low-competition legume-enriched CCs in a rainfed hillside vineyard—a perennial legume–grass mixture (PLGM) and an annual legume cover crop of Trifolium alexandrinum (ALTA)—were compared with NATC over three years. PLGM and ALTA provided good levels of soil coverage, slightly lower than NATC, which had a negligible presence of legumes. PLGM and ALTA, due to low competition, enhanced vine vigor, resulting in thicker and wider canopies (as indicated by total leaf area and leaf layer number), higher pruning weight, and increased yield. PLGM and ALTA led to good qualitative levels, with higher grapes acidities, lower pH and total soluble solids content and, additionally, significantly higher yeast assimilable nitrogen content. In conclusion, implementing low-competition legume species in CCs is an effective tool to avoid soil erosion in a climate change scenario, leading to increased productivity, higher acidity, and improved nitrogen content in the grapes.

Optimization of Productivity of Fodder Crops with Green Conveyor System in the Context of Climate Instability in the North Kazakhstan Region

One of the main challenges in modern animal husbandry in North Kazakhstan is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of sufficient fodder crops. This research, conducted from 2019 to 2023, aimed to develop strategies for cultivating environmentally sustainable fodder crops capable of providing a stable fodder crop base under the changing climatic conditions of the North Kazakhstan region. The studies included analysis of air temperature and precipitation data as well as monitoring of fodder grass mixtures within a green fodder conveyor system. Different sowing dates for fodder crops and mixtures were selected for the development of the conveyor system. The range of experimental variants included fodder crops and their mixtures from various botanical families. The experiment involved both perennial (alfalfa and festulolium) and annual (corn, pea, sunflower, Sudan grass, oats, and rapeseed) crops. The highest green mass yields were achieved by the following variants: fodder crops of corn + pea—74.40 c/ha; mixtures of annual legume–grass crops in the pea + oats variant of the first sowing date—43.64 c/ha; Sudan grass + pea—45.72 c/ha; mixtures of perennial grasses in the second utilization term of alfalfa + festulolium—64.9 c/ha; and rapeseed sown at the first sowing date—46.61 c/ha. In terms of crude and digestible protein content, the best among the annual grass variants was the mixture of Sudan grass and pea (crude protein—33.59 g/kg, digestible protein—24.5 g/kg), and the best among the perennials was the variant of the first utilization term (crude protein—50.42 g/kg, digestible protein—38.2 g/kg). Regarding metabolizable energy content, the annual crop variant of corn + pea had a yield of 1.92 MJ/kg, and in the perennial variant, the mixture of alfalfa and festulolium in the first utilization term had a yield of 2.68 MJ/kg. Such an approach to creating green fodder conveyors can be crucial for developing effective strategies for adapting agriculture to climate change, including the selection of promising fodder crops and optimization of their placement. The results obtained can contribute to enhancing the productivity and sustainability of agricultural production in the North Kazakhstan region.

Unveiling Microbial Dynamics and Gene Expression in Legume–Buffel Grass Coculture Systems for Sustainable Agriculture

Legumes enhance pasture health and soil productivity by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and boosting soil microbiota. We investigated the effects of tropical pasture legumes, including butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), seca stylo (Stylosanthes scabra), desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus), lablab (Lablab purpureus), and Wynn cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia), on the soil microbial community and buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) gene expression. Additionally, we explored the impact of a phytogenic bioactive product (PHY) in the coculture system. A pot trial using soil enriched with cow paunch compost included four treatments: monoculture of buffel grass and five legume species with and without PHY supplementation and coculture of buffel grass with each legume species with and without PHY supplementation. Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla. Regardless of PHY application, the coculture of buffel grass with legumes positively influenced microbial composition and diversity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant gene expression changes in buffel grass shoots and roots, with each legume uniquely affecting nitrogen metabolism. Lablab and Wynn cassia exhibited similarities in modulating metabolic processes, butterfly pea contributed to mycotoxin detoxification, and desmanthus balanced cell death and growth. Seca stylo enhanced root cell growth and regeneration. These findings offer insights for optimizing legume–grass coculture systems, enhancing soil activity and promoting sustainable agriculture.

LACTIC ACID BACTERIA CONTRIBUTING TO UPGRADE FODDER QUALITY

A solid nutrition stock lays the basis for contemporary animal husbandry. Application of lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites to raise the standards of feed rations as ingredients of pre- and probiotic additives, is an evolutionarily grounded basic microecological technique to uphold health status and realize genetic potential of superproductive farm animals. Throughout several decades the studies are under way at the Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on isolation of lactic acid bacterial strains from various natural sources, investigation of their properties, characterization of produced bioactive agents and elaboration of the derived technologies of manufacturing diverse microbial preparations for various purposes. Specially selected lactic acid bacteria isolated from various plant sources in Belarus and adapted to local ecological environment are distinguished by intense growth, capacity to compete with other microbial species, active acidogenesis, rapid acidification of substrates down to pH 4.2 or even lower, acid resistance, a broad spectrum of fermented carbohydrates (ability to utilize hexoses, pentoses, oligo- and polysaccharides) and they served as appropriate constituents of liquid biocompositions (Lacsil, Lacsil-M), dry preparation Lacsil-MS designed to improve quality of ensiled vegetable materials. Lacsil-MS2 concentrate includes homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria consuming a wide range of carbohydrates: hexoses, pentoses, oligo- and polysaccharides, including major reserve polysaccharides of cereals and legume grasses (starch, polyfructosides). Supply of fastly growing coccoid forms of lactic acid bacteria enables to intensify the process of lactic acid fermentation at the earliest stages and swiftly reduce pH of vegetable mass. Addition of strains with elevated antagonistic activity ensures the suppression of growth of microorganisms responsible for spoilage of fodder. Upgrading consortium composition with heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid bacteria prevents spoilage of fodder caused by air access in the course of feeding procedure. Production by the selected microbial cultures of a set of enzymes (amylase, α-galactosidase, β-glucanase, pectinase, etc.) capable to hydrolyze hardly digestible oligosaccharides, starch-containing and non-starchy polysaccharides of plant substrates, promotes enhanced bioaccess, better assimilation, increased alimentary and energy value of feed rations. Evaluation of technology of producing feed additive based on lactic acid bacteria possessing high α-galactosidase activity acquired top relevance due to the need to eliminate deficit of fodder protein in farm rations by replenishing the share of legumes (alfalfa, lupine, soy, peas, etc.). Introduction of such feed additive incorporating lactic acid bacteria, fermenting recalcitrant oligo- and polysaccharides with α(1→6) glycoside bonds allows to raise digestibility and assimilation of proteins and carbohydrates, to increase the input ratio of legume components into composite fodder formulas, to rule out intestinal disorders (gut meteorism), contributing thereby to farm stock productivity. It was found that application of preparations comprising selected lactic acid bacteria resulted in economy of fodder expense up to 20% per each kilo of live weight increment, to augment average daily body gains by 9-12%, to increase productivity of lactating cows by 5-10%, and to diminish by 5.0% losses of digestible protein as compared with imported product analogues.

Soil microbiome mediates plant community productivity in grass–legume mixtures

Soil microbiome mediates plant community productivity in grass–legume mixtures

Herbage Yield, Nutritional Quality of Desho Grass (<i>Pennisetum glaucifolium</i>) Mixed with Stylo and Silverleaf Desmodium at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted during the main cropping season of 2019/2020 at Assosa in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state. The aim of the study was to evaluate herbage dry matter yield, nutritional quality and biological compatibility of desho grass mixed with Stylo and Desmodium. The treatments included two legume species (Stylosanthes guyanensis and Desmodium unicinatum) and desho grass with four levels of seed proportions (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) of the recommended seeding rates of the two legume forages. Randomized complete block design with four replications was used. The results revealed that number of tillers per plant (NTPP), plant height (PH) and leaf to stem ratio (LSR), plot cover and vigor score percentage, dry matter yield (DMY) tha<sup>-1</sup>, and the quality parameters such as, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent Lignin (ADL), In-vitro Dry matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein yield (CPY) tha<sup>-1</sup> were significantly (P<0.05) differed among the different seed proportions of desho grass with legume mixtures. The highest total dry matter yield (11.05 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) was obtained from the sole desho grass planted with Nitrogen fertilizer followed by sole desho grass planted without fertilizer (10.17 t ha<sup>-1 </sup>) from the mixed cropping groups mixed crop containing 75% desho grass and 25% Stylo gives a higher total dry mater yield (7.44 tha<sup>-1</sup>). On the other hand desmodium sown in pure stands had lower DMY compared to legume-grass mixtures (3.37tha<sup>-1</sup>). In terms of quality, increasing the seed proportions of both legume species in the mixture resulted in higher CP%, CPY (tha<sup>-1</sup>) and IVDMD% and lower NDF%, ADF% and ADL% contents. Relative yield total of desho grass-legume mixtures at Desho<sub>75 </sub>Stylo<sub>25 </sub>(1.43), Desho<sub>50 </sub>Desmodium <sub>50 </sub>(1.39) and Desho<sub>25 </sub>Stylo<sub>75 </sub>(1.33) were better compared to the other mixtures and pure stands. Generally, mixing of desho grass with legume species at different seed proportions of 75% desho grass: 25% stylo and 50% desho grass: 50% Stylo produced better dry matter yield, nutritional quality and compatibility in the study area when compared to the mixed cropped plants. However, the experiment should be conducted for more years at different locations to recommend the best desho grass legume mixtures for Assosa area of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. It is also suggested to do on animal performance trial of this result based on animal feeding practice and economic feasibility in order to come up with sound recommendations.

Legume–grass mixtures improve biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogen transfer by promoting nodulation and altering root conformation in different ecological regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Legume–grass mixtures improve biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogen transfer by promoting nodulation and altering root conformation in different ecological regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

A comparative analysis of perennial grass–legume mixtures for biomethane production

Examining the case of Lithuania, this study comparatively analyzed five perennial grass–legume mixtures in terms of biomethane production. Every mixture was divided into two parts: long (during the fifth year or beyond) and short (during the first four years) time periods. The analysis includes three types of perennial bell grass: Timothy, P. Ryegrass, C. Cocksfoot, and one legume grass Red clover. With this study, we aimed to evaluate how perennial grass–legume mixtures can promote biomethane uptake in Lithuania. Through analyzing the efficiency and consequences of government subsidy measures, this study aimed to address the question of how governmental assistance can promote the growth of the biomethane industry, specifically focusing on the utilization of perennial grass–legume mixtures. This study used seven financial indicators, including subsiding policy, in order to gain a deeper understanding of mixtures for biomethane production. The analysis revealed that the best mixtures for biomethane production with subsidies were the second (Red clover 35 % + Timothy 45 % + Ryegrass 20 % grass mixture) and fourth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Ryegrass 45 % grass mixture). The first (Red clover 35 %. + Timothy 25 % + Ryegrass 20 % + Cocksfoot 20 % grass mixture), third (Red clover 55 % + Timothy 45 % grass mixture), and fifth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Cocksfoot 45 % grass mixture) had the smallest positive effects. The results showed that, in Lithuania, in order to encourage farmers to produce biomethane, subsidy policies are needed. Incentives for engaging with this activity are necessary, as the income earned does not cover the costs incurred; unfortunately, biomethane production is unprofitable without subsidy. As such, our recommendation is to develop a long-term subsidy policy to promote biomethane production, focusing on the effectiveness, particularly in the Lithuanian context, of utilizing mixtures of perennial grasses. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address the opportunities associated with scaling synergy between perennial energy cops and environmental sustainability in bioenergy crop cultivation.

Day-to-day variation in trace and macro-mineral concentrations in corn and mixed grass–legume silages of Canadian commercial dairy herds

The aims were to assess the day-to-day variation in trace minerals (TM), macro-minerals, dry matter, and physical effectiveness factor in grass–legume and corn silages and to evaluate the variance partition. Grass–legume and corn silage samples were collected in nine Canadian dairy herds during two episodes of five consecutive days at 4 weeks apart by the same individual. All variables were analyzed in duplicate. The proportion of variation due to the farm was more variable within TM than macro-minerals. Using TM software reference values of silages for formulating rations can lead to important errors. Except for physical effectiveness factor, the within-farm variations between sampling episodes were more marked for mixed grass–legume than corn silage. For most of the minerals and nutrients analyzed, the sampling + day-to-day variations were the main source of variability, accounting for over 50% of the within-farm variance for both silage types. The remaining within-farm variance was explained by subsampling and laboratory analyses. The high within-herd variation suggests that a silage sampling over more than 1 day can be useful to get a representative sample for TM analysis. Accurate nutrients and TM values when formulating cow diets is essential to cow health and productivity.

Soil Carbon Storage, Enzymatic Stoichiometry, and Ecosystem Functions in Indian Himalayan Legume-Diversified Pastures

The influences of legume diversification on soil carbon (C) pools and sequestration, particularly in Himalayan pastureland, remain poorly understood. Moreover, the impact of legume diversification activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes in C biogeochemistry at the ecosystem level remains largely overlooked. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of legume diversification on activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes and their control of C sequestration in pasturelands. Four experimental fertilized species combinations, namely, SG (50% Festuca arundinacea + 50% Dactylis glomerata), SGL1 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Onobrychis viciifolia), SGL2 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Trifolium pratense), SGL12 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 25% Onobrychis viciifolia + 25% Trifolium pratense), and natural pasture (NG) were compared. Soils under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 had ~18, 36, and 22% greater soil C than SG, respectively. Among the pastures with fertilization, the C mineralization was suppressed by legume diversification. C sequestration under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 was ~27, 22, and 38% higher than SG, respectively, at the 0–30 cm soil layer. The ratios of DHA are as follows: for PhOX and DHA, PerOX significantly decreased with an increasing grass–legume mixture, suggesting greater C sequestration. PCA analysis revealed that C sequestration under legume diversification and enzymatic stoichiometry had an indirect but substantial impact on C sequestration. The increasing C sequestration under SGL12 was complemented by higher productivity. Data suggested that increasing legumes in pastureland might greatly enhance ecosystem functions such as soil C storage, productivity, ecorestoration efficiency, and biological activity in Indian Himalayan pastureland.

A comparative study of fodder Galega (Galega orientalis LAM.) and common forage legumes in monoculture and grass–legume binary mixture in Canadian Prairies

Fodder Galega ( Galega orientalis Lam.) is a perennial legume adapted to the temperate regions of the world. The objective of this research was to compare the performance of fodder Galega to alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), and cicer milkvetch ( Astragalus cicer L.) in monocultures and grass–legume mixtures. From 2018 to 2020, a multiple-location trial was conducted at Swift Current, Saskatoon, Melfort, SK and Beaverlodge, AB, Canada. The average forage mass of fodder Galega in monoculture was 3226, 1176, and 1678 kg·ha–1 at Melfort, Saskatoon, and Swift Current, respectively, and was lower than alfalfa. However, fodder Galega and alfalfa had similar forage mass at Beaverlodge (7900 and 7670 kg·ha−1, respectively). The proportion of fodder Galega in the grass–legume mixtures was 36%–42% in 2019, decreasing to 3%–27% at Saskatoon. At Swift Current, fodder Galega in the mixtures was 11%–13% in 2019, which almost disappeared from the stand in 2020. At Beaverlodge, fodder Galega maintained 38%–47% in 2019 and increased to 47%–69% in 2020. Fodder Galega had similar acid detergent fiber to cicer milkvetch at two of four sites, which was lower than those of alfalfa and sainfoin. The crude protein of fodder Galega and its mixtures with grasses was lower than other mixtures at the three Saskatchewan sites, but was higher at Beaverlodge. Our results indicate that fodder Galega has potential to be utilized as a forage legume in cooler northern regions, but its productivity was low in the Dark Brown and Brown soil.

Evaluation of cool-season perennial forage varieties as monocultures and legume–grass binary mixtures under intensive grazing

In Canada, new forage varieties need not undergo grazing trials before registration and sale. To evaluate the effect of grazing, six cool-season species including meadow bromegrass ( Bromus riparius Rehmann), orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifoila Scop.), and three alfalfa varieties ( Medicago sativa L.) were established in monocultures and grass–legume binary mixtures in Saskatchewan, Canada. Forage treatments were randomly established within each of three 3.5 ha paddock replicates. In Year 1, 69 Bos taurus crossbred steers, and in Year 2, 149 steers were homogenously allocated to the three paddocks for the grazing trials. Alfalfa monocultures had the greatest ( p < 0.05) pre-graze forage yields and crude protein content. Leaf area index was greater in alfalfa monocultures than in all other treatments ( p < 0.01). Etiolated growth differed ( p < 0.05) among binary mixtures but not monocultures. Alfalfa monoculture stands were preferred over grass monocultures and most grass–legume mixtures, and sainfoin was avoided relative to alfalfa. Killarney orchardgrass was the least productive and least preferred among forages evaluated. In summary, alfalfa monocultures had greater ( p < 0.05) forage yields and quality than sainfoin monocultures, grass–legume binary mixtures, or grass monocultures.

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.

The Effect of Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizers on the Quality of Forage Composed of Various Species of Legumes in the Northern Part of a Temperate Climate Zone.

This study focuses on the effect of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers on the quality of perennial grasses. Both grasses and legumes are important in swards, and each type of grass has different biological and ecological properties. Legumes in multi-species swards, especially in their early ages, benefit other Poaceae grasses by improving their growth. When evaluating individual cuts over a three-year period, it was determined that the quality indicators of the forage were significantly influenced by the year of use, N fertilizer application, and the different species compositions of the swards. In many cases, N fertilizers significantly reduced the CP content while tending to increase MADF and NDF. Monoculture grass swards had the highest WSC content; in most cases, N fertilizers increased the WSC content in the forage. DMD was the lowest in the first year of use, specifically in the first cut. Our three-year experiment, which investigated twelve swards with different species compositions, demonstrated that legume grasses improved the quality indicators of forage and contributed to maintaining a more stable overall forage yield over the years. As the climate continues to become warmer, there is a growing need to study a wide range of plant species and different varieties suitable for local growth conditions.

Effect of Biochar Application and Mineral Fertilization on Biomass Production and Structural Carbohydrate Content in Forage Plant Mixture

Biochar, a fine-grained porous material, exhibits properties that improve soil quality on agricultural land. Biochar, in combination with mineral fertilizers in perennial mixed crops, has so far not been studied for its effect on biomass production and feed value. The study, conducted in 2021 and 2022, aims to investigate the impact of different biochar application rates (alone and in combination with high and low NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer dosages) on the yield and structural carbohydrate content in grass–legume mixtures. Thus, a two-factorial pot study consisting of 36 pots was established in 2021. The study was set up in a randomized block design with nine fertilization treatments in four replicates. The factors studied were the rate of biochar (0, 5, and 10 Mg ha−1) and the rate of NPK mineral fertilizer application (0, 105, and 185 kg ha−1). First, biochar was applied and then the grass–legume mixture was sown, consisting of Lolium perenne L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Dectylis glomerata L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Phleum pratense L., Festuca rubra L., Festuca ovina L., Poa pratensis L., Trifolium repens L., and Medicago sativa L. In both years of the study, during the growing season, plant biomass was harvested three times to assess biomass production and structural carbohydrate content. In the collected samples, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were examined, and, based on these, dry matter digestibility (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed value (RFV) were calculated. Compared to the control, the biochar addition increased the biomass production by 6.7–14.4% in the first year and by 49–59% in the second year after application. The addition of biochar in combination with NPK fertilization caused an increase in biomass production—22–45% in the first year and 71–136% in the second year after application. The structural carbohydrate content in the mixture depended neither on the biochar dose nor on fertilization. On the other hand, the most significant differences for the studied parameters were observed due to different harvest dates.

Gramineae-legumes mixed planting effectively reduces soil and nutrient loss in orchards

Soil, water, and nutrients depletion may affect sustainable agriculture in some resource-poor areas. Implementing cover crops as a conservation management strategy mitigates the loss of water, soil, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) by introducing vegetation during non-crop seasons or in the spaces between rows instead of leaving the land bare. This study aimed to compare water, soil, various carbon (C) forms, N, and P losses through leaching and surface runoff in orchard fields that were managed with either no-cover crop (NC) or cover crops, including natural grass (NG), Legume grass (LG), Gramineae grass (GG), and a mixture of Legume and Gramineae grass (MG). The findings indicate that cover crop fields exhibited a significant reduction in the runoff by 33–60 %, leaching amount by 33–51 %, soil loss by 30–53 %, and total C, N, and P by 30–48 %, 30–49 %, and 30–38 %, respectively compared to NC fields. Additionally, implementing artificial grass, particularly MG, demonstrated more significant efficacy in mitigating water and soil losses and associated N and P losses. Specifically, MG fields exhibited a 40 % and 18 % reduction in runoff and leaching as well as a reduction in total C, N, and P loss by 7 %, 12 %, and 7 %, respectively, compared to NG fields. The LG field experienced a 50 % more significant N loss than the MG field, whereas the GG runoff exhibited an increase of more than 70 %. Implementing MG coverage has significantly reduced soil erosion and consequent nutrient loss, establishing it as a viable and uncomplicated approach to conserving soil and water in orchards.

AM fungi reduce grass–legume competition by increasing nutrient access

AM fungi reduce grass–legume competition by increasing nutrient access

PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY, PRODUCTIVITY, AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF MOWING AND GRAZING PHYTOCENOSES DEPENDING ON THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF GRASSES

Studies of the photosynthetic activity of perennial grass mixtures allow for describing the peculiarities of the formation of perennial grass species forage productivity in the dry steppe zone. The study aimed to evaluate the cumulative effect of perennial cereal and legume grasses as part of complex grass mixtures on photosynthetic activity, productivity, and nutritional value of mowing and grazing phytocenoses. Adapting multicomponent grass created from various species of perennial grasses to the continental climate of the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan commenced, capable of resisting biotic and abiotic stresses due to biological characteristics and positively influencing other species in the phytocenoses. The study determined photosynthetic activity, the yield of green and dry masses, dry matter content, crude protein, metabolizable energy of natural pasture, single-species sowing of awnless brome, and multicomponent grass mixtures. The communal herbage obtained as a result of the study contained a large amount of crude protein (20.6%–24.7%), crude fat (2.0%–4.2%), crude fiber (18.0%–22.7%), crude ash (7.1%–7.7%), and nitrogen-free extractive substances (35.0%– 44.1%). The results further enunciated that the perennial grass herbage in question had an average photosynthetic potential of 1,450,330 m2×day ha-1 in single-species awnless brome crops, while in grass mixtures the said potential was higher, ranging from 1,510,250 to 1,815,250 m2×day ha-1. The authors concluded that it was necessary to create mowing and grazing fields composed of productive and stable perennial grass mixtures on degraded pasture lands to increase available forage for farm animals and improve the system's resistance to adverse conditions.

Does the presence of tall or dwarf elephant grass genotypes change the nutritive value of butterfly pea in grass–legume intercrops?

Adding tropical legumes into grass-based forage systems may increase the nutritive fodder value, but competition may decrease legume quality. We evaluated the nutritional values and agronomic responses of tall and dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone.) and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) grown as binary intercrops. Two tall (Elephant B and IRI-381) and two dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) were the grass components of intercrops in a two-year trial. Higher acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin contents were found in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001), while lower coefficients of in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were recorded in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001). There was no intercrop effect on the herbage accumulation (p = 0.1278), dry matter (DM) contents (p = 0.2338), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p = 0.2022), lignin (p = 0.7179) and condensed tannins (p = 0.1699) of the butterfly pea. The butterfly pea grown with tall genotypes had higher crude protein (CP) concentrations (p = 0.0001) and coefficients of IVDDM (p = 0.0086) than when intercropped with dwarf genotypes. The study showed that tall elephant grass genotypes improved the butterfly pea’s nutritional value in grass–legume intercrops through increases in leaf/pod ratio. Intercropping with butterfly pea may compensate for the lower nutritive fodder value of tall elephant grasses compared to dwarf genotypes.