Evaluation of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) cultivars for yield, quality and nutrients uptake in central Gujarat

Abstract

Seventeen berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) cultivars (13 belonging to the public sector and 4 from the private sector) were evaluated for agronomic parameters during the winter season (Rabi) in 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Anand, Gujarat. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Pooled data analysis of two years reveals that berseem cultivars differed significantly for green fodder, dry fodder and crude protein yields. Among cultivars, mean green fodder, dry matter, crude protein and crude fat yields ranged between 51.59 to 67.93, 9.65 to 12.75, 1.56 to 2.09 and 0.13 to 0.18 t ha-1, respectively. Public sector cultivar JHB 17-1 recorded highest green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields of 67.93, 12.75 and 2.09 t ha-1, respectively. JHB 17-1 out yielded Wardan (check) by 9.41%, 14.25 and 19.43% for green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields, respectively. For crude protein, crude fat, NDF, ADF and total ash contents, the values ranged between 15.33-16.48%, 1.25 to 1.62%, 33.07 to 37.96%, 25.46 to 28.89% and 9.52 to 11.01%, respectively. Amongst cultivars, non-significant differences were observed for these traits. Significantly higher K and Ca content were recorded in Miskawi-Alsir (1.37 %) and FSS-Agra (1.16 %) respectively. JHB 17-1 recorded higher N (334.16 kg ha-1), P2O5 (86.67 kg ha-1), K2O (188.16 kg ha-1) and Zn (268.31 g ha-1) uptake.