Productivity and quality of fodder as influenced by different bajra napier hybrid and legume fodder cropping systems

Abstract

The adoption of perennial cereal-legume cropping systems will play an important role in achieving higher fodder productivity and provides a way to bridge the gap between supply and demand of fodder in the country. In this context, a field experiment was conducted to identify the suitable BN hybrid + legume intercropping systems in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that BN hybrid + lucerne (2:8) system recorded significantly higher green fodder (161.4 t/ha/year) and dry matter (31.7 t/ha/year) yields and also yield of fodder quality attributes. However, crude protein (22.20%), ash (11.12%) and ether extractable fat (3.75%) were higher with sesbania grown as a sole crop. The higher non-fibre carbohydrates (34.20%) and total carbohydrates (76.86%) were noticed with sole cropped BN hybrid. The BN hybrid intercropped with legumes performed better interms of quality forage yield and proved as viable systems than sole cropping systems.