Sustainable Forage Production Research Articles

English

This review paper attempts to give account of how plant characterization assists the availability of information on desirable plant traits, to enhance selective breeding for environmental stresses and thus attain sustainable forage production. Plant characterization is referred to as an account for heritable characters varying from agronomical, morphological to molecular markers.  It simplifies grouping of accessions, development of core collections, identification of gaps and retrieval of valuable germplasm for breeding programmes resulting in better insight about the composition of the collection and its genetic diversity. Plant characterization by morphological, physiological and agronomic traits has long been used in selective breeding. Advancement of characterization to the use of molecular markers speed up the process and permits optimal utilization of the adaptive traits harboured in all breeds for stressful environments. In countries like Tanzania, where agro-climatic conditions are challenging, technological progress is slow and market institutions are poorly developed, selecting highly adaptive local varieties is important. Knowledge from characterization of local varieties could be used to breed adaptive and resilient varieties. This will help the farmers to produce enough forage in the fast changing and stressful environmental conditions.   Key words: Characterization, Cenchrus ciliaris, drought, salinity, traits.

Cytogenetic insights into Festulolium

Climate change calls for new methods and plant materials to breed crops adapted to new environmental conditions. Sustainable forage and amenity grass production during periods of severe drought and heat waves during summer, and unequal distribution of precipitation over the year will require drought-tolerant genotypes. However, high-yielding ryegrasses (Lolium spp.), which are the most commonly used grass species, suffer during abiotic stresses. Introgression of drought and heat tolerance from closely related fescues (Festuca spp.) offers an opportunity to develop superior hybrid cultivars to mitigate the negative impact of climate change. Intergeneric cross-hybridization and the development of Festulolium (Festuca × Lolium) hybrids was initiated 100 years ago and resulted in registration of almost one hundred cultivars. For a long time, their genome composition was not known and was debated by breeders and geneticists. In the last three decades, molecular cytogenetic and genomic approaches have enabled their detailed characterization. These studies revealed a gradual replacement of Festuca chromosomes by those of Lolium in consecutive generations leading to an almost complete elimination of Festuca chromatin in the introgression forms. On the other hand, amphiploid cultivars seem to be more stable with the optimal proportions of the Lolium to Festuca genomes at about 2:1. In this mini review, we discuss recent advances in the analysis of the genome composition of Festulolium hybrids with a specific focus on genome (in)stability.

Policy-Driven Sustainable Saline Drainage Disposal and Forage Production in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California

Environmental policies to address water quality impairments in the San Joaquin River of California have focused on the reduction of salinity and selenium-contaminated subsurface agricultural drainage loads from westside sources. On 31 December 2019, all of the agricultural drainage from a 44,000 ha subarea on the western side of the San Joaquin River basin was curtailed. This policy requires the on-site disposal of all of the agricultural drainage water in perpetuity, except during flooding events, when emergency drainage to the River is sanctioned. The reuse of this saline agricultural drainage water to irrigate forage crops, such as ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa, in a 2428 ha reuse facility provides an economic return on this pollutant disposal option. Irrigation with brackish water requires careful management to prevent salt accumulation in the crop root zone, which can impact forage yields. The objective of this study was to optimize the sustainability of this reuse facility by maximizing the evaporation potential while achieving cost recovery. This was achieved by assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of the root zone salinity in selected fields of ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa in the drainage reuse facility, some of which have been irrigated with brackish subsurface drainage water for over fifteen years. Electromagnetic soil surveys using an EM-38 instrument were used to measure the spatial variability of the salinity in the soil profile. The tall wheatgrass fields were irrigated with higher salinity water (1.2–9.3 dS m−1) compared to the fields of alfalfa (0.5–6.5 dS m−1). Correspondingly, the soil salinity in the tall wheatgrass fields was higher (12.5 dS m−1–19.3 dS m−1) compared to the alfalfa fields (8.97 dS m−1–14.4 dS m−1) for the years 2016 and 2017. Better leaching of salts was observed in the fields with a subsurface drainage system installed (13–1 and 13–2). The depth-averaged root zone salinity data sets are being used for the calibration of the transient hydro-salinity computer model CSUID-ID (a one-dimensional version of the Colorado State University Irrigation Drainage Model). This user-friendly decision support tool currently provides a useful framework for the data collection needed to make credible, field-scale salinity budgets. In time, it will provide guidance for appropriate leaching requirements and potential blending decisions for sustainable forage production. This paper shows the tie between environmental drainage policy and the role of local governance in the development of sustainable irrigation practices, and how well-directed collaborative field research can guide future resource management.

Barley Cultivars and Seed Rates Effects on Energy and Water Productivity of Green Fodder Production under Hydroponic Condition

Background: Green fodder availability for livestock is decreasing because of climate change impacts on crop productivity and scarcity of land and water resources. Therefore, barley green fodder production in hydroponic systems could be an alternative to ensure sustainable green forage production for livestock. In spite having advantages such as high nutritional and economical values, marginal land use, providing natural feed for animals, and availability during all seasons of year, green fodder production in hydroponic system should be evaluated from energy, water productivity, and GHG emissions intensity point of view. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of barley cultivars and seed rates on the energy indices, GHG emissions intensity, and water productivity of barley green fodder production under hydroponic condition. Methods: This research was conducted in the form of a completely randomized experimental design with two factors, 12 treatments, and 12 replications. Barley cultivars of Raihan, Behrokh, EC and Fasih were main factors, and seed rates of 600, 700, and 800 g/tray were considered as subplots. Input and output energies, energy indices, fodder dry matter, water productivity, and GHG emissions intensity were determined in this study. Results: Results showed that barley cultivar and seed rate had significant effect on fodder dry matter, water productivity, and GHG emission intensity; while, energy indices were only affected by barley cultivars. Behrokh cultivar had the highest fodder dry matter, water productivity, energy indices, and the lowest GHG emission intensity. Seed rate of 800 g/tray provided the highest fodder dry matter, water productivity, and lowest GHG emission intensity. Therefore, Behrokh barley cultivar with seed rate of 800 g/tray was recommended for barley green fodder production in hydroponic systems in semi-arid climate condition of Iran.

Protein diversification

Protein diversification

Advantages of grass-legume mixture for improvement of crop growth and reducing potential nitrogen loss in a boreal climate

A three-year field experiment was established to assess intercropping for sustainable forage production in Finland. In split-plot design, fertilizer treatment with unfertilized control, organic fertilizer, and synthetic fertilizer was the main plot factor, and crop treatment with fallow, red clover (Trifolium pratense), timothy (Phleum pratense), and a mixture of red clover and timothy was the sub-plot factor. Dry matter, carbon and nitrogen yields in mixture plots were highest with relatively high N% and the optimum C:N ratio (p < 0.05). Fertilization increased annual yields of mixture and timothy but not that of red clover. Soil NO3-N changed over time (p < 0.05) and was highest in fallow, followed by red clover, mixture, and timothy (p < 0.05), and the decrease during late growing season was smaller in the mixture and timothy plots. At the end of the experiment, soil C/NO3-N ratio was higher in timothy and mixture while lower in red clover and fallow plots (p < 0.05), and the relationship between soil DNA and NO3-N content may indicate that the potential nitrogen loss was lower in mixture and timothy than that in fallow and red clover plots.

Linking Soil Health to Sustainable Crop Production: Dairy Compost Effects on Soil Properties and Sorghum Biomass

Dairy compost is utilized in agricultural fields to supplement nutrients, yet its role in optimizing nutrient supply and health of semiarid soils is not clear. A greenhouse study was conducted over two months to evaluate soil properties and forage sorghum production under various compost rates. The study had six treatments and four replications. Treatments included compost application rates at 6.7 (C1), 13.5 (C2), 20.2 (C3), 26.9 (C4), and 33.6 Mg ha−1 (C5) and a control (C0). Soil samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), total nitrogen (N), inorganic N, potentially mineralizable N (PMN), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Plant biomass production and biomass C, N, and lignin contents were also estimated. High compost rates improved soil properties significantly (p < 0.05) indicated by increased SOC, N, P, K, Ca, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Sorghum biomass production did not increase significantly with compost rate, while shoot N content increased at higher rates of compost. A nutrient management plan that integrates dairy compost application has potential to improve soil health and support sustainable forage production in semiarid regions.

Vegetation responses and trade‐offs with soil‐related ecosystem services after shrub removal: A meta‐analysis

AbstractAimTo assess the sustainability of different shrub control practices (fire, mechanical, and chemical) based on their efficacy to control shrubs and their effects on multiple ecosystem service provisions, including possible trade‐off and/or synergy.MethodsUsing a meta‐analysis approach, this study synthesized results from global shrub removal experiments. Log response ratio (lnR) between the outcome of shrub removal and that of the untreated control was used to estimate proportional changes in soil and vegetation properties resulting from each shrub control practice.ResultsWhen forage provisioning is the only service considered, shrub removal could achieve this desirable outcome as indicated by increasing herbaceous biomass. However, observable decreases in litter, biological crust cover, and soil nutrients, as well as increases in bare soil indicated long‐term potential trade‐offs with other ecosystem services (e.g., erosion control service and nutrient cycling); the degree was influenced by different shrub control methods. Synergistic properties were probably limited to a short‐term boost of herb productivity resulting from short‐term increase in herb biomass and diversity as well as nutrient availability.ConclusionHuman‐induced drivers manifested in shrub control practices changed vegetation response. However, management also changed non‐targeted processes, generating potential reduction in several regulating ecosystem services. Continuous monitoring to assess landscape conditions should therefore become the key for adaptive management. Sustainable forage production should focus on strategies to maintain multiple ecosystem services because consideration of those services can lead to long‐term protection of the landscape and provide a broader range of environmental benefits.

Growth, yield and yield component attributes of narrow-leafed lupin (<i>Lupinus angustifolius</i> L.) varieties in the highlands of Ethiopia

An experiment was conducted to characterize the growth and yield performance of narrow-leafed sweet blue lupin varieties (Lupinus angustifolius L.) in northwestern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and included 7 varieties (Bora, Probor, Sanabor, Vitabor, Haags blaue, Borlu and Boregine). Data on days to flowering and to maturity, flower color, plant height, numbers of leaflets, branches and pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, forage dry matter (DM) yield, grain yield and 1,000-seed weight were recorded. The results showed that plant height, number of branches per plant, forage DM yield, number of seeds per pod, grain yield and 1,000-seed weight varied significantly (P<0.01) among varieties. The highest forage DM yield at 50% flowering (2.67 t/ha), numbers of pods per plant (16.9) and of seeds per pod (4.15), grain yield (1,900 kg/ha) and 1,000-seed weight (121 g) were obtained from the Boregine variety. The tallest plants and greatest number of branches per plant were recorded from varieties Sanabor and Bora, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the major factor affecting forage DM yield was plant height, while plant height, days to maturity and number of seeds per pod had the greatest influence on grain yield. The best performing variety was Boregine followed by Sanabor and Bora. These varieties seem promising for the development of sustainable forage production strategies with limited external inputs. However, future research should be conducted on the improvement of their agronomy and the possibility of their utilization as protein supplements using narrow-leafed sweet blue lupin forage or grain, as well as testing of promising varieties in diverse locations.

Diversified Forage Cropping Systems and Their Implications on Resilience and Productivity

Plant diversity is associated with resilient ecosystems. Loss of plant biodiversity triggered by anthropogenic and climatic factors jeopardizes environmental stability and sustainable forage production. The understanding of biodiversity mechanisms and functional traits of species can help to design forage production systems to buffer against perturbations. Resilience and productivity are linked to plant species characteristics and interactions that enable them to recover from adverse conditions and compensate for the loss of susceptible species. Benefits of diversified crops including enhanced carbon assimilation, nitrogen fixation, and turnover are transferred to soil microbes which in return contribute to resilience against drought and poor soil fertility. In the absence of disturbances, these mechanisms are credited for stability and climax ecosystems. Cultivated systems are more fragile because management interferes with many functions while maintaining few. Strategies that sustain an entire range of functions can increase production regardless of climatic and management factors. This has been demonstrated in binary mixtures of cool season grasses including meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem. & Schult.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), and intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey) with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Suitable combinations of perennial species and cultivars bred for compatible traits can enhance resilience and productivity in a wide range of ecosystems.

Invited review: Sustainable forage and grain crop production for the US dairy industry

A resilient US dairy industry will be underpinned by forage and crop production systems that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Land use for production of perennial and annual forages and grains for dairy cattle must evolve in response to multiple food security and environmental sustainability issues. These include increasing global populations; higher incomes and demand for dairy and other animal products; climate change with associated temperature and moisture changes; necessary reductions in carbon and water footprints; maintenance of soil quality and soil nutrient concerns; and competition for land. Likewise, maintaining producer profitability and utilizing practices accepted by consumers and society generally must also be considered. Predicted changes in climate and water availability will likely challenge current feed and dairy production systems and their national spatial distribution, particularly the western migration of dairy production in the late 20th century. To maintain and stabilize profitability while reducing carbon footprint, particularly reductions in methane emission and enhancements in soil carbon sequestration, dairy production will need to capitalize on genetic and management innovations that enhance forage and grain production and nutritive value. Improved regional and on-farm integration of feed production and manure utilization is needed to reduce environmental nitrogen and phosphorus losses and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Resilient and flexible feed production strategies are needed to address each of these challenges and opportunities to ensure profitable feeding of dairy cattle and a sustainable dairy industry.

Evaluation of agronomic traits of some Brachiaria cultivars in the temperate low warm region in Japan

AbstractTropical grasses with high forage quality and biomass could be grown as annuals in warm subtropical regions as an additional source of feedstock. For sustainable forage production, it is also vital to know the interactions between plant and weed for the selection of promising alternating forage grass. Brachiaria grass has been used as source of high quality forage in the tropics, and this could be developed as a promising forage grass species in this region. Therefore, this study compared the agronomic traits, productivity, and dominance to weeds in six Brachiaria cultivars with two rhodesgrass cultivars in southwestern Kyushu, Japan. This study was evaluated twice from spring to autumn in 2012. Most Brachiaria cultivars grew more vigorously than the two rhodesgrass cultivars during early seedling development in 2012. Except for ‘Llanero’, all Brachiaria cultivars had a higher dry matter yield than the two rhodesgrass cultivars. Notably, ‘Kennedy’ had the highest dry matter yield of 9.5 t ha−1 at the second cutting, resulting from substantial regrowth after the first cutting. However, two Brachiaria cultivars and one rhodesgrass cultivar evaluated in 2014 were not significantly different. Except ‘Llanero’, biomass percentage in all Brachiaria cultivars ranged from 57 to 81% at the first cutting. Subsequently, the value for the second cutting increased more than 90%. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between dominance to weeds and growth in the early stage, indicating that the vigorous growth of Brachiaria grasses, during the early stage was superior to that of weeds in their competition. In addition, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Brachiaria decumbens could be introduced as new variety in temperate low warm region, Japan.

Genetic resources of perennial forage grasses in Serbia: Current state, broadening and evaluation

Due to historical background of vegetation development, geographical position, climate and relief, Serbia represents one of the 158 world biodiversity centres, based upon the number of plant species and territory size (biodiversity index 0.72). Large areas in Serbia are under natural grasslands and pastures, composed of forage grass species, and important as source of natural plant genetic diversity and germplasm for breeding. These eco-systems represent basic prerequisites for sustainable forage production, but very low potential of them is utilized and genetic resources are not protected. Family Poaceae is present in Serbia flora with 70 genera and among them from the aspect of forage production and quality, the most important are perennial Festuca, Lolium, Dactylis, Phleum, Bromus, Arrhenatherum, Poa and Agrostis species. Most of these grasses have been bred in Serbia and lot of cultivars were released. These cultivars contain autochthonous Serbian material and represent great and important resource of genetic variability. Therefore, collecting of new samples which are acclimatised to local eco-geographical conditions and including them in plant ex situ gene bank is of exceptional importance for further utilization in different plant breeding programmes as well as genetic resources protection. These autochthonous populations have natural variability and very often have satisfactory yielding performance in comparison with introduced cultivars, which referred them for direct phenotypic selection for cultivars release. Broadening of forage grasses genotypes collection is permanent objective of Serbian scientists. Collected accessions are being characterized and evaluated for important phenological, morphological and agronomical traits. In this paper genetic resources of forage grass species, their diversity and potentials, state of the grasses gene banks, as well as possibility for breeding of new cultivars has been analysed.

Sustainable cereal and forage production in dairy-based cropping systems

Our objective was to evaluate the long-term impact of management systems combining rotation types [barley in monoculture (M) vs. barley in rotation with forage (R)], tillage practices [chisel plow ...

Effects of different organic materials on forage yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACTThe use of organic materials as a source of nutrients on agricultural lands ameliorates soil physical properties as well as being an environmentally friendly way of disposing of their wastes. This study was conducted to determine effects of three organic materials (poultry litter, cattle manure, leonardite) on yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. Poultry litter and cattle manure were applied based on phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) requirements of the crop whereas leonardite was applied only one dose (500 kg ha−1) and also combined with three inorganic fertilizer doses (100%, 75%, 50% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose). According to the results, the highest green herbage yield and nutrient uptake values were observed in LEO-100 whereas N-based treatments significantly decreased yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. The use of organic materials as a combination with inorganic fertilizer in silage maize cultivation is highly beneficial for sustainable forage production.

Effects of grazing systems on herbage mass and liveweight gain of Tibetan sheep in Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China

Grazing strategies, consisting of grazing systems and stocking rate adjustments, have evolved from the need to sustain efficient use of the forage resources by livestock, increase animal performance and sustain forage production. A 3-year study was conducted with Tibetan sheep on the Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China to compare: (1) two grazing systems [season-long continuous (SLC; July to December) versus short duration with seasonal rotation (SDSR; July to September in growing-season pasture and October to December in cold-season pasture) with a stocking rate of 24 sheep months ha–1(SM ha–1)]; (2) SDSR system with 24, 36 and 48 SM ha–1; and (3) seasonal aspects of stocking rate under the SDSR system by comparing strategies of heavy stocking rate in the growing season and light stocking rate in the cold season (SDSR-HL) versus light stocking rate in the growing season and heavy stocking rate in the cold season (SDSR-LH). No differences were found between grazing systems in liveweight gain per head or per ha and in residual herbage mass. Liveweight gain per head for treatment SDSR24 was greater than for treatments SDSR36 and SDRS48, whereas liveweight gain per ha showed the opposite tendency. No differences were found between the SDSR-HL and SDSR-LH treatments in liveweight gain per head or per ha, whereas the ratio of residual herbage mass at the end of grazing the growing-season pasture to the cold pasture of treatment SDSR-LH was more than twice that of treatment SDSR-HL. Daily liveweight gain of Tibetan sheep decreased linearly with increasing grazing pressure in both growing and cold seasons. It was estimated that, at a grazing pressure index of 310 sheep days t–1 DM peak herbage mass, liveweight gain per head and ha appears to be optimised over the whole grazing period. Liveweight loss by Tibetan sheep during the cold season was apparent regardless of grazing pressure indicating that temperature had a stronger influence on sheep performance in the cold season than herbage availability.

Fertilizer and irrigation effects on forage protein and energy production under semi-arid conditions of Pakistan

Fertilizer and irrigation water are major inputs for forage production in semi-arid areas, and to ensure sustainability, nutrient and water efficient crop species should be used. The major objectives of the present study were to (i) evaluate the effect of crop species, fertilizer and irrigation on nutritive value and (ii) determine irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) in terms of crude protein (CP) and metabolizeable energy (ME) production per unit of land. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with a four times replicated completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement of a combination of fertilizer treatment (control, farm yard manure (FYM) and mineral fertilizer (MIN)) and irrigation (recommended irrigation (RI), half recommended irrigation (HRI)) as main-plots. Sub-plots were assigned to two cropping systems Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) followed by corn (Zea mays L.) (common cropping system, CCS) and the drought-adopted cropping system (DACS) oat (Avena sativa L.) followed by sudangrass (Andropogon sorghum subsp. drummondii). Crude protein concentration and IWUE of CP production per unit of land in CCS was 44 and 13% higher than in DACS, whereas ME contents and IWUE of ME production in DACS was 9.5 and 38% higher than in CCS. In view of ME as the major limiting nutritive property in roughages for feeding dairy cows, it is concluded that the tested DACS may be more suitable for sustainable forage production under water and nutrient limited conditions in semi-arid areas of Pakistan.

Water stress due to increased intra-annual precipitation variability reduced forage yield but raised forage quality of a temperate grassland

Due to climate change an increase in the intra-annual precipitation variability including extreme drought and heavy rainfall events is predicted to impact major ecosystem processes. Evidence suggests that crop and forage production will be affected by altered climate variability. Due to the growing human population and rising demand for high quality animal feed it is necessary to determine the consequence of increased precipitation variability on forage yield and quality in order to adapt or implement compensation strategies against possible negative effects.Here, we present data from a field experiment in which a temperate European grassland was subjected to altered intra-annual precipitation variability (low, medium, high) in interaction with management strategies namely fertilization and alteration of harvest date (delay by 10 days). We measured forage yield and root length, quantified parameters of forage quality (crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, crude fat, sugar, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro gas production) and estimated relative feed value, net energy for lactation and metabolizable energy. Additionally, we tested the influence of seasonality of extreme weather events on the responsiveness of forage yield and quality to management strategies.Increased intra-annual precipitation variability decreased forage yield of the grassland. Furthermore, the proportion of functional groups was altered toward less grass and more forb biomass with amplified precipitation variability. Increased crude protein content and reduced fiber content (crude fiber, NDF, ADF) with increasing precipitation variability improved the relative feed values. Crude protein content was enhanced by fertilization during drought but reduced by delayed harvest after the drought period. Fertilization reduced losses in grassland annual yield caused by extreme precipitation. Management strategies proved less effective if precipitation variability occurred later in the season than earlier in the season.A nitrogen dilution effect (decreased plant nitrogen concentration with increasing shoot biomass) likely influenced the grassland crude protein contents under altered precipitation regimes and might have masked possible effects of precipitation variability on plant nitrogen and therefore on quality of grassland species. Nevertheless, alterations in the plant community composition and plant senescence seem to be the main drivers of forage quality change. Fertilization during drought periods and harvest delay after drought periods were only partially successful as management strategies to sustain forage production in more extreme precipitation regimes of the future. Further strategies need to be developed that acknowledge the shift in plant species compositions as the main driver of changes in forage quality in the face of changing precipitation patterns.

Soil‐Fertility Principles for Warm‐Season Perennial Forages and Sustainable Pasture Production

Pasture fertilization plays a vital role in the biological and economic successes of forage-based livestock systems. Sustainability of productive, warm-season perennial forage systems depends, to a major extent, on management–utilization strategies and pasture fertilization. As soil nutrient reserves are exhausted, forage production and nutritive value are reduced proportionally. Despite the vast scientific literature suggesting that warm-season forage crops can respond favorably to high levels of N fertilization, the increasing costs of commercial fertilizers and environmental concerns have prompted the need to reexamine optimumefficient fertilizer levels, sources, and methods of application that can sustain economic pasture production. Because the fate of fertilizers applied to grassland systems is extremely complex and is affected by several factors, including application rate and timing, fertilizer source, and soil and environmental characteristics, it is critical to implement management strategies for soil fertility that integrate all the factors that affect fertilizer efficiency, sustainable forage production, and protection of natural resources. The primary objective of this review paper is to present some of the basic principles of soil-fertility management for warm-season perennial forages and fertilization strategies for sustainable

Nutrient management strategies for sustainable forage production: A review

Adequate supply of quality forage is the basic necessity for sustainable livestock production. In India, supply of forage has always been a limiting factor for enhancing livestock production. The gap in feed and forage supply, however, can effectively be reduced through integrated crop management practices with greater emphasis on nutrient management in forage crops. Due to region, season and specific nature of forages nutrient management is dynamic in nature. The paper reviews different nutrient management aspects in annual and perennial cultivated forage crops, range grasses and legumes, forage-based intercropping and cropping systems and rotations.