Crude Protein Yield Research Articles

Optimizing Sorghum Yield and Quality: A Study on the Role of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrient Management Strategies

This study assessed the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and micronutrients on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) productivity in four locations viz., Palampur, Srinagar, Mandya, and Ayodhya during Kharif 2020-2021. Twelve treatments, combining PGRs and micronutrients, were evaluated. The best treatment (T10), applying 5 kg Zn and 2 kg B per hectare with a triacontanol (10 ppm) foliar spray at 30 days after sowing, resulted in the highest green fodder yield (493.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (125.6 q/ha), and crude protein yield (10.80 q/ha). It also improved the leaf-stem ratio (0.63), ADF (42.34%), and NDF (63.03%). Economic analysis showed a gross return of Rs. 130,208/ha, net return of Rs. 81,717/ha, and B:C ratio of 2.56. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing sorghum productivity in semi-arid regions through integrated nutrient management, improving both food security and farmer incomes in challenging agricultural environments.

Innovative Tillage Practices to Establish Productive and Sustainable Forage Production Systems in Degraded Alfalfa Pastures in Semiarid Regions

ABSTRACTTillage management practices play a critical role in maintaining sustainable forage production systems in degraded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures. However, climate change leads to the precipitation exhibits greater variability, the impacts of tillage practices on alfalfa productivity and forage quality as well as the relationships between water consumption and soil properties remain poorly understood. The field trial conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the impacts of different tillage treatments (i.e., no tillage [CK], strip subsoiling tillage [ST], strip rotary tillage [RT], and strip rotary tillage after strip subsoiling [SRT]) on soil properties, water use efficiency (WUE), and forage productivity. Compared with CK, tillage practices significantly increased forage biomass and crude protein yield (CPY), particularly in the case of the SRT treatment, in which the increase was 20.8% and 25.3% higher, respectively (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the net income in the SRT treatment exhibited the greatest value (US $1922.0 ha−1), showing a 17.0% increase compared with that in the CK treatment. The relationship of soil structure and crop water consumption became evident when tillage practices were applied in the degraded alfalfa pasture. The soil bulk density under the ST, RT, and SRT treatments decreased by 6.9%, 5.4%, and 8.6%, whereas the soil porosity increased by 8.6%, 6.7%, and 10.7% in the 0–60 cm soil layer, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the soil water content at a depth of 0–60 cm increased by 12.1% in the SRT treatment compared with the CK treatment at the harvesting stage, and the SRT treatment obtained the highest WUE of dry matter (16.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) and precipitation use efficiency of dry matter (15.8 kg ha−1 mm−1). In addition, total nitrogen in the ST, RT, and SRT treatments increased significantly by 21.4%, 11.1%, and 27.0%, respectively, and soil organic carbon in the ST, RT, and SRT treatments also increased significantly by 5.5%, 3.3%, and 10.4%, respectively, compared with those in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). Our study has demonstrated that tillage practices can optimize soil structure, improve water utilization, and increase soil fertilizer for enhancing forage productivity. The SRT practice could be a preferable approach for sustainable agricultural production of degraded alfalfa grassland in the semiarid region of China.

Assessment of BxN Hybrids for Fodder Productivity in South Gujarat, India

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bharuch, Gujarat to evaluate eight Bajra x Napier (BxN) hybrids viz. BNH-10, BNH-11, CO-5, CO-6, DHN-5, DHN-15, Phule Jaywant, and Phule Gunwant for their fodder yield potentials and quality parameters over three years (2021-2024). A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the experiment. The pooled results of three years revealed that significant variations were observed in hybrids investigated. The hybrid BNH-11 consistently and significantly outperformed other tested hybrids, demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters, including plant height (143.25 cm), tillers per plant (26), leaf-to-stem ratio (1.14), green fodder yield (207.05 MT ha⁻¹), dry matter yield (80.36 MT ha⁻¹) and crude protein yield (6.06 MT ha⁻¹). Phule Gunwant closely followed BNH-11, performing on par across all evaluated parameters. These findings indicate that BxN hybrids exhibit substantial potential for fodder production, supporting their use in sustainable livestock farming systems in the region.

Effects of Degree of Milling on Nutritional and Edible Quality of High-Resistant Starch Rice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of milling degree on nutrient content, especially resistant starch (RS), and edible quality of starch rice variety Youtangdao3 (YTD3) with high RS. High RS rice variety YTD3 was processed with different milling times (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40s) to evaluate the effects on nutritional components, mineral content, vitamins, pasting properties, and cooking/eating quality. With the increase in milling time, the average milling reduction rate increased from 0 to 8.54, 11.81, 13.27, and 16%, which correlated with a decrease in the yield of head rice, crude fat, crude protein, and ash content. Minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin E and B vitamins, decreased significantly with increasing milling time. Sensory analysis revealed a decrease in rice hardness and an increase in viscosity with longer milling, suggesting improved palatability. However, excessive milling reduced the nutritional value of the rice. The study highlights the need for an optimal balance between the degree of milling (DOM) and the preservation of nutritional value to improve the overall quality of rice products. The results are important for guiding rice processing practices to maintain the health benefits of RS while preserving the sensory appeal of rice.

Short‐Term Benefits of Tillage and Agronomic Biofortification for Soybean–Wheat Cropping in Central India

ABSTRACTIn a changing climate, conservation tillage and agronomic biofortification are essential for enhancing crop yield, nutritional security, carbon stocks, and soil quality. Consequently, a field study was conducted in central India to assess the short‐term (4 years) effects of crop establishment techniques (CETs) and agronomic biofortification methods (ABMs) on soil health indicators, grain yield, and quality in the soybean–wheat cropping system. The experiment followed a split‐plot design with two CETs in the main plots (permanent broad bed furrow, PBBF, and conventional tillage, CT) and eight ABMs, each with three replications. The results indicated that PBBF and ABMs (seed inoculation with the microbial strains MDSR 14 + MDSR 34, and soil and foliar application of Zn+Fe) improved soil carbon stock (by 49.6% and 52.4%), available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, available Zn (by 30.0%), and Fe (by 21.9%) after the fourth year of the study. Similarly, PBBF and microbial inoculation increased soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and β‐glucosidase), substrate‐induced respiration, and microbial biomass carbon content. As a result, a higher soybean equivalent yield (5.59% higher in PBBF and 14.2% higher with foliar spray of Zn+Fe) and seed quality attributes (crude protein yield, grain Zn, and Fe) were observed in PBBF and the foliar spray of Zn and Fe treatments compared to CT and control, respectively. Overall, adopting the short‐term PBBF system, microbial inoculation, and soil and foliar application of Zn and Fe improved rhizosphere biochemical properties, yield, and seed quality in the soybean–wheat system.

Dietary early addition enzyme-treated soybean improves amino acid absorption and protein digestibility by promoting digestive enzyme activity in broilers

Early nutritional regulation has become a research hotspot. The present study was undertaken to assess dietary early addition enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) on nutrients digestibility, amino acid absorption, and intestinal development of broilers. Four hundred and fifty 1-day-old broilers were divided into three groups with 10 replicates of 15 broilers and fed with a basic diet, 2.5 or 5% ESBM during 1-10 days. Then all groups were fed the same basic diets until 42 d. The obtained results indicated that supplementation of ESBM in early stage resulted in heavier BW and a better feed conversion ratio during the experimental periods compared with the control group. Supplementing the broiler’s diet with 5% ESBM led to enhance digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and decrease abdominal fat yield (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, 5% ESBM in the early diet increased villus height (P < 0.05, d 21) and reduced the crypt depth in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05, d 42). Dietary 5% ESBM supplementation improved enzyme activity and upregulated nutrient transporters expression in jejunum, increased plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations (P < 0.05, d 10). In conclusion, our data demonstrated that supplementation ESBM promote intestinal development, upregulate AAs and peptide transporters gene expression for physiological absorption of AAs, and improve protein digestibility caused by intestinal enzyme activity, thereby improving growth performance.

Biomass yield, crude protein yield and nitrogen use efficiency over nine years in annual and perennial cropping systems

Emerging biorefinery technologies can lead to new applications and new markets for various types of crop biomass. This may allow significant changes in agricultural production from crop rotations dominated by annual grain and seed crops towards annual or perennial cropping systems composed with the aims of higher biomass yield and environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigated 7 annual and 7 perennial cropping systems on a sandy loam soil, with large differences in N fertilization. Yield of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was measured over nine growing seasons from 2013 to 2021. A conventional four-year cash crop rotation with cereals and winter oil seed rape served as a reference and achieved mean annual yields of DM and CP of 10.5 and 0.85 Mg ha−1 y−1, respectively, across the nine years. Continuous maize and triticale had significantly higher DM and CP yields, with 57 and 15 % increases in DM yield compared to the reference crop rotation, respectively. Optimized four-year crop rotations with various annual crops including triticale, maize, beet, hemp or faba bean and various intermediate crops achieved 51–84 % and 42–78 % higher yield of DM and CP, respectively. Perennial cropping systems with festulolium and tall fescue with three or four harvests per year achieved 63–65 % higher DM yield and 192–200 % higher CP yield (2.47–2.55 Mg ha−1 y−1) compared to the cash crop rotation. Perennial cropping systems with miscanthus and willow had high DM but low CP yield. As a measure of nitrogen use efficiency, partial factor productivity of DM yield (PFPDM) and CP yield (PFPCP) were calculated, and both varied significantly between cropping systems, with highest PFPDM for M. × giganteus and willow (114–192 kg DM kg N−1) and lowest for festulolium and tall fescue (38–40 kg DM kg N−1). PFPCP was highest for the optimized crop rotations (6.88–7.94 kg CP kg N−1) and lowest for miscanthus (2.94–4.98 kg CP kg N−1). Across 12 of the cropping systems, which included both protein crops and lignocellulosic crops, there was a non-linear DM yield response to N fertilization rate with PFPDM decreasing from 134.9 to 37.2 kg DM kg N−1 when increasing the N rate from 50 to 500 kg ha−1 y−1. On the other hand, there was a linear CP yield response and, therefore, a constant PFPCP of 5.94 kg CP kg−1 N across N fertilization rates. The results clearly indicate that cropping systems can be modified to achieve higher DM and CP yields but also that choice of cropping system and optimal N fertilization may need adjustment depending on the use of the harvested biomass, the possibilities for biorefining into various components and products as well as the economic value of the components.

Optimizing nitrogen application rates to maximize productivity while reducing environmental risk by regulating nitrogen and water utilization in mixed cropping systems

Optimizing the nitrogen (N) fertilization level and cropping system is critically important for achieving good production performance with low environmental pollution. However, there is a knowledge gap on the relationship between crop production sustainability, water and nitrogen consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission under the change in N application rate under cereal and legume mixed systems. A 3-year field experiment with two cropping systems [sole forage sorghum (SS) and forage sorghum/lablab mixed cropping (SL) with four N fertilizer application rates (N0, 0 kg N ha−1; N90, 90 kg N ha−1; N180, 180 kg N ha−1; and N270, 270 kg N ha−1)] was conducted. Results obtained showed that mixed cropping combined with N fertilization enhanced forage biomass and crude protein yield by 34.0 % and 51.1 %, respectively, particularly in mixed cropping combined with the N180 treatment compared with the N0 level in the sole cropping system. Similar improvements were observed for yield stability and sustainability (2.97 % and 0.95, respectively), which reached maximum values at N180 in the mixed cropping system. In addition, mixed cropping increased the water productivity of dry matter yield (WPDM) and water productivity of crude protein yield (WPCPY) by 17.2 % and 27.6 %, respectively, at 180 kg N ha−1 compared with the corresponding treatments of the sole planting system. Furthermore, mixed cropping combined with appropriate N application significantly improved N physiological efficiency (PEN) and reduced GHG intensity (GHGI), where N application of 180 kg ha−1 N increased PEN by 21.3 % and reduced GHGI by 17.6 % compared with the corresponding monoculture in the mixed cropping system. This study demonstrated that reducing N fertilization in cereal–legume cropping systems can promote forage productivity by optimizing water and N management while decreasing environmental pollution. Therefore, forage sorghum mixed with lablab and fertilization at 180 kg N ha–1 is a preferable approach for sustainable agricultural production in the Northwest arid region of China.

Evaluation of forage quality in various soybean varieties and high-yield cultivation techniques

ContextThe rising demand for animal protein has intensified forage shortages and restricted pasture availability, underscoring the critical need for effective dual-purpose animal feeds. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the potential of vegetative soybeans as animal feed by assessing their nutritional value and productivity. Specifically, it explores the feasibility of using late-maturing soybean varieties, adapted to low latitudes, as forage in high-latitude regions and examines the impact of different planting dates on their growth and effectiveness during limited growing seasons. MethodsTo achieve these objectives, a series of field and controlled experiments were conducted. The first experiment assessed 418 mid-maturing soybean varieties from the Huang-Huai-Hai Basin in China for their nutritional value as forage during 2020 and 2021. The second experiment tested late-maturing and photoperiod-sensitive soybean varieties, including "ZGDD" and the methionine-enhanced material "Ox-CGS," under tropical conditions with extended daylight. The third experiment evaluated forage soybeans sown on June 19th, July 14th, and August 8th, 2022, to determine their yield and protein content. ResultsResults showed that the first experiment yielded an average protein content of 24.7 %, ether extract content of 1.9 %, neutral detergent fiber content of 41.9 %, and acid detergent fiber content of 27.3 %, with a relative feeding value of 153, surpassing local standards for high-quality leguminous forage. The second experiment demonstrated that extended daylight increased crude protein yield by 3.7 times compared to Chinese soybean seed yields, and "Ox-CGS" showed a 24.2 % increase in methionine content. The third experiment revealed that forage soybeans achieved a crude protein yield of 0.95 t/ha within 60 days, exceeding the 2022 average of 0.68 t/ha for seed soybeans in China. ConclusionsThe findings indicate that photoperiod-sensitive soybeans can be effectively used as forage over extended periods, utilizing artificial lighting or cultivation in higher latitudes, and that short growth cycles enhance crude protein accumulation. Implications or significanceThis research highlights the potential of soybeans to alleviate forage shortages, improve land use efficiency, and contribute to food security and agricultural development, especially on marginal lands and in regions with limited growing seasons.

Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of new bermudagrass accessions and cultivars

AbstractBermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important forage source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; nevertheless, little is known about the productive and nutritional characteristics of new accessions and cultivars originating from breeding programs. Five bermudagrass cultivars (Tifton 85, Jiggs, Florida 44, Callie, and Newell) and five accessions (276, 282, 323, 286, and Missouri) were tested during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Genotype × harvest interactions were detected for herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), and nitrogen yield (p &lt; 0.05). In June, all bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation in HA, with accession 286 being more productive than Jiggs (4.42 vs. 3.24 Mg DM ha−1 harvest−1, respectively, where DM is dry matter). In October, however, accession 323 had greater CP than Callie, accession 286, Newell, and Tifton 85, with average CP values of 155, 128, 136, and 137 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Average in vitro digestible organic matter for accession 323 (450 g kg−1 DM) was similar to that of Tifton 85 and Newell but greater than that of Missouri (393 g kg−1 DM). Genotypes displayed unique responses to all traits across harvest dates. According to the principal component analysis, the accession Missouri exhibited low productive and nutritive value properties. The accession 286 showed greater CP concentration while still productive; thus, this accession will be further examined for future release to livestock or hay producers in subtropical regions worldwide.

Study of Trifolium angulatum phytomass in Karcag

Our studies were conducted at the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Karcag, where in 2023, due to favourable precipitation and temperature conditions, we had the opportunity to study the phytomass yields of a massively reproducing annual Trifolium species in a saline soil condition. Yield measurements (green yield, hay yield, crude protein yield, dry matter yield) showed that in all cases higher yields were measured in the Trifolium angulatum-covered grassland than in the control grassland, and statistical analysis showed a close correlation in all cases. Through our studies, we aimed to provide new data on the specific floristic events in environmentally managed grassland in the Pannonian Basin from a farmer's perspective.

Parent-offspring regression and intergeneration correlation analysis in powdery mildew resistance derived F4 and F5 generations of oat

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the intergeneration correlation and parent-offspring regression in F4 and F5 generations of seven different oat crosses which were grown during Rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively, at Experimental Farm of Fodder Section, CSKHPKV, Palampur. Correlation studies revealed a negative correlation between crude protein yield per plant with grain yield per plant in F5 generation and a positive correlation between fresh fodder yield per plant and dry matter yield per plant in both generations, revealing crude protein yield as major forage yield component. F4 generation progenies showed highly significant and positive values of intergeneration correlation and regression with F5 generation progenies for grain yield per plant, crude protein yield per plant, harvest index and number of tillers per plant in most of the crosses, which indicated that the performance of plants on the basis of these traits is a reliable indicator of their performance in subsequent generations. Narrow sense heritability increased with the advancement of generation from F4 to F5, indicating the additivity of gene effects for the traits such as grain yield per plant, 100-grain weight, harvest index and crude protein yield per plant. Two progenies P4-5-2 -5 and P4-5-2-8 of the cross HJ-8 × JPO-46 were resistant to powdery mildew disease in F5 generation and the number of resistant plants was more in F5 generation over F4 generation which showed the efficiency of selection for resistance to powdery mildew.

Optimal Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Soybean Cultivation

The soybean (Glycine max. L. Merr) can satisfy a large portion of its requirement for nitrogen (N) by living in symbiosis with symbiotic bacteria. However, this source of N may be inadequate in varieties with high yield potential. To fully exploit this potential, soybeans should additionally utilize mineral forms of nitrogen present in the soil. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varied nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the dry weight of the separated parts of soybean plants and the whole plant, including the number and weight of root nodules, the potential to reduce atmospheric nitrogen (N2), and the content and uptake of nitrogen. Four levels of pre-sowing nitrogen fertilizer supply were tested: 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N·ha−1. Measurements of the tested parameters were taken during the flowering stage and the fully ripe stage. During the flowering stage, a reduction in the number of root nodules was observed following the application of 120 and 180 kg N·ha−1. In the fully ripe stage, each increase in nitrogen application caused a systematic decrease in the number of nodules on the roots. Increasing the level of nitrogen application therefore reduced the N2 fixation potential of soybeans, regardless of the developmental stage. The use of high doses of nitrogen in soybean cultivation did not increase seed yield or the weight of the entire plant. With high doses of nitrogen, the content and accumulation of nitrogen in soybean seeds and total mass did not increase. Therefore, the content and yield of crude protein did not increase. The main organ of nitrogen accumulation in the soybean flowering stage was the leaves (58.6–64.8% of total N uptake), however, in the fully ripe stage, it was the seeds (66.8–74.2% of total N uptake).

Pre-extension demonstration of inter-cropping of improved forages with food and cash crops at Semen Bench Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia

Pre-extension demonstration study was conducted in the North Bench district, Bench Sheko Zone, South-western Region, Ethiopia, in 2020/2021 main cropping season. The objective of the study was to demonstrate fodder production from improved forage legumes intercropped in food and cash crops and to evaluate the nutritional quality and compatibility of forage legumes. Three forage legumes, namely lablab, vetch, and cowpea, intercropped in maize, whereas alfalfa and desmodium intercropped in coffee. The demonstration was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten replications on a farmer’s farm field with a participatory approach. The legumes were intercropped in maize three weeks after maize planting. The results revealed that maize plant height, maize grain yield, and maize stover biomass yields were not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) different among treatments. However, significantly higher legume biomass yield and total biomass yield were obtained from maize-lablab-based intercropping as compared to maize-vetch and maize-cowpea-based intercropping systems. Similarly, the maize-lablab-based intercropping system recorded a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher crude protein yield. The lower legume biomass yields were obtained from desmodium and alfalfa intercropped in coffee. Participant farmers were also very interested in forage production from maize-lablab-based intercropping systems as compared to maize-vetch, maize-cow pea, desmodium-coffee, and alfalfa-coffee-based intercropping systems. Therefore, farmers are recommended to intercrop lablab in maize to overcome the animal feed shortage in the study area.

Herbage Yield, Nutritional Quality of Desho Grass (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pennisetum glaucifolium&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) 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&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, 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&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; were significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) differed among the different seed proportions of desho grass with legume mixtures. The highest total dry matter yield (11.05 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) was obtained from the sole desho grass planted with Nitrogen fertilizer followed by sole desho grass planted without fertilizer (10.17 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1 &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) from the mixed cropping groups mixed crop containing 75% desho grass and 25% Stylo gives a higher total dry mater yield (7.44 tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). On the other hand desmodium sown in pure stands had lower DMY compared to legume-grass mixtures (3.37tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). In terms of quality, increasing the seed proportions of both legume species in the mixture resulted in higher CP%, CPY (tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and IVDMD% and lower NDF%, ADF% and ADL% contents. Relative yield total of desho grass-legume mixtures at Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;75 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Stylo&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;25 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(1.43), Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;50 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Desmodium &amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;50 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(1.39) and Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;25 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Stylo&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;75 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(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.

The Effect of Different Irrigation Frequency and Level on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Silage Sorghum

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different irrigation frequency and levels on silage sorghum plant for yield and quality at the Bingöl University Agricultural Research and Application Field in 2022 using the Master BMR variety as plant material. Randomized complete blocks applying the split-plots experimental design with three replications was used; four irrigation levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and four irrigation frequencies (5, 10, 15 and 20 days) were considered as treatments. Percentage of moisture replacement was determined using total moisture loss from evapotranspiration (ET). Amount of water discharged by emitters were predetermined, hence, time was used to determine the exact amount. Properties related to green forage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein ratio, crude protein yield, acid detergent insoluble fibre, neutral detergent insoluble fibre, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed value were investigated. Statistically significant differences between all the examined features were observed. The highest green forage yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield were obtained from 5-day frequency and 100% level. Highest crude protein ratio from 5-day frequency and 25% level, lowest acid detergent insoluble fibre rate and highest digestible dry matter rate from 20-day frequency and 25% level, highest dry matter intake and relative feed value with the lowest neutral detergent insoluble fibre rate were observed from 25% level with 10 and 20-day frequencies. In conclusion; it can be stated that, to obtain high yield from silage sorghum, it is necessary to irrigate at 5 days frequencies and 100% level. However, high-quality product can be obtained with a 10-day frequency and a 25% level with low yield.

Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.

Two‐cut system suggested for tall wheatgrass to balance herbage yield and quality in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea

AbstractBackgroundTall wheatgrass is a perennial salt‐tolerant bunchgrass, which is a promising candidate for establishing a “Coastal Grass Belt” in China, particularly in the coastal saline–alkaline soils surrounding the Bohai Sea.MethodsSeven harvesting treatments were performed to explore the optimal harvesting time and frequency for tall wheatgrass in coastal area. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritional values were investigated for each cut. The correlation between harvesting time and frequency thereof among the investigated traits was also determined.ResultsThe results showed that the two‐cut on June 18 and October 29 produced the highest DMY. Another two‐cut on May 26 and October 29 produced a relatively high crude protein (CP) yield. The DMY, contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude cellulose (CC) as well as CP yield were positively correlated to plant height, while the CP content and the relative feed value (RFV) were negatively correlated to plant height. The accumulating growing degree days, accumulated precipitation, and sunshine duration were positively correlated with plant height, DMY, contents of NDF, ADF, and CC as well as CP yield, but negatively correlated with CP content and RFV for the first cut.ConclusionsThe two‐cut treatment at the end of May and October may be suitable for tall wheatgrass in the “Coastal Grass Belt” targeted area.

Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies for Forage Maize Genotypes: Agronomic Performance, Nitrogen use Efficiency and Economic Assessment and Deter- mination of Economical N Fertilizer Rate

A field investigation was conducted using factorial experiment in randomized block design with seven genotypes and three nitrogen (N) levels (80, 120 and 160 kg N/ha) with three replications at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India during kharif season, 2022. The objective of the study was to assess the nitrogen use efficiency, productivity and profitability of forage maize genotypes under different N levels. Among, the genotypes, J-1006 and among N levels, application of 120 kg ha-1 registered the maximum green and dry fodder yield and crude protein yield (CPY). The highest partial factor productivity of N fertilizer (PFPN) was recorded with J-1006 (103.3 kg DM/kg N applied) and application of lowest dose i.e. 80 kg/ha (99.1 kg DM/kg N applied) among genotypes and N levels, respectively. J-1006 (Rs 78109 ha-1 and 3.62) and application of 120 kg N ha-1 (Rs 65716 ha-1 and 3.21) was profitable in terms of net returns and B:C ratio among genotypes and N levels, respectively. The economic optimum dose of N for tested fodder maize genotypes was found to be 139 kg/ha.

Forage Yield and Nutritive Values of Vetches Grown as a Sole and Intercropped with Desho Grass at Different Row Spacing in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Legume forage, like vetches, is an important feed source for animals as a supplement to low-quality feeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional values of vetches intercropped at various spacings of desho grass. The study was designed in a factorial arrangement with a randomized complete block design with three inter-row spaces (0.50 m, 0.75 m, and 1 m) and intercropping two vetches (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia sativa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; ICARDA 61509 and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia dasycarpa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; lana) and desho grass with three replications. Agronomic parameters, forage and seed yield, chemical analysis, and in vitro digestibility of vetch forage samples were determined. Results showed that significant differences (p&amp;lt;0.05) were observed for all measured agronomic parameters of vetches, except leaf length, due to spacing and interaction effects. Dry matter yield of vetch (DMY) was only affected by row spacing, while crude protein yield (CPY) was affected by row spacing and their interactions. Higher DMY (3.87 - 4.04 t/ha) and CPY (0.74 - 0.79 t/ha) were obtained from solely grown vetches as compared to intercropped vetches (2.26 - 2.42 t/ha and 0.417 - 0.423 t/ha), respectively. Forage yield significantly decreased as row spacing increased. Seed yield decreased as the row space increased, and the yield obtained from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia sativa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; ICARDA 61509 was higher (0.6 and 1.23 t/ha) than &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia dasycarpa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; lana (0.41 and 0.82 t/ha) when either intercropped with desho grass or sown alone, respectively. The interaction of intercropping with spacing unaffected vetch&amp;apos;s chemical composition. However, crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin of vetches were influenced by intercropping, whereas CP, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were affected by spacing (p&amp;lt;0.05). Intercropped &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia dasycarpa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; gave higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy than &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia sativa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, and IVDMD increased as row spacing increased from 0.5 to 1 m.