Range Management and Agroforestry is the official journal of the Range Management Society of India. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes original research, reviews, and case studies in the fields of forages, rangeland and agroforestry systems. The journal aims to promote scientific innovations and practical solutions for enhancing the productivity, resilience, and sustainability of forages, rangelands and agroforestry practices.
Biomass production and carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in Sindh forest division of Kashmir, India
This study aimed to evaluate biomass production and carbon stock potentials of different silvipastoral systems (T1: Cedrus deodara, T2: Robinia pseudoacacia, T3: Cupressus torulosa, T4: Prunus armeniaca) in the Sindh forest division of Kashmir. The highest values of above ground tree biomass (80.57 t ha-1), belowground tree biomass (20.14 t ha-1) and total tree biomass (100.70 t ha-1) were recorded in Ailanthus altissima stand and followed the trend of T5>T1>T3>T2>T6>T4. The highest values of aboveground, belowground and total shrub biomass (4.17 t ha-1, 1.75 t ha-1 and 5.92 t ha-1, respectively) were found in grassland and minimum under Cedrus deodara stand. The total herb biomass production followed the trend of T4>T7>T5>T2>T3>T6>T1. The total vegetational carbon stock varied between 8.18 t ha-1 to 52.39 t ha-1 with a trend of T5 (52.39 t ha-1) > T1 (45.13 t ha-1) > T3 (30.44 t ha-1) >T2 (22.77 t ha-1) > T4 (13.90t ha-1) > T7 (9.68 t ha-1) > T6 (8.18 t ha-1).
Copyright (c) 2025 Tanveer Ahmad Rather, Amerjeet Singh, A. H. Mughal, Arsheed Ahmad Mir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Genetic variability and multivariate analysis on oats (Avena sativa L.) genotypes grown for fodder
Oats (Avena sativa L.), widely cultivated for grain, also provide quality green herbage for livestock. In Rabi 2021–22, 31 genotypes were evaluated for genetic diversity using univariate and multivariate analyses. Significant differences were found across all 12 recorded traits, including fodder yield. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), heritability (h2b), and genetic advance as a percentage of mean (GAM %) were noted for number of tillers per plant (NOTP), dry matter yield (DMY), and green fodder yield (GFY). GFY ranged from 0.77 kg/m² (NDO-1101) to 2.09 kg/m² (NDO-711), and DMY ranged from 0.14 kg/m² (NDO-1101) to 0.33 kg/m² (OL-1861). Hierarchical clustering grouped the genotypes into three clusters, with Cluster I showing the highest mean values for most traits, including fodder yield. Maximum intra-cluster distance (3.87) was within Cluster I, while the highest inter-cluster distance (5.71) was between Clusters I and II. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted fodder yield, NDVI, and crude protein as key contributors to genetic variation, with the first four principal components explaining 83.88% of the total variation. Genotypes NDO-711, OS-1861, and JHO-851 demonstrated high yield and crude protein potential. These genotypes merit further evaluation for desirable traits to develop elite, high-yielding varieties suitable for the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parameshwaran Mathavaraj, Prasanta Kumar Goswami, Seuji Bora Neog, Kishore Kumar Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Genetic improvement of fodder cowpea through induced mutagenesis
The study was focused to develop superior fodder cowpea variety for fodder and seed yield through induced mutagenesis. For this, the seeds of fodder cowpea variety Aiswarya were taken and mutation was induced using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Effective dosages were fixed based on lethal dose 50 (LD50) and M1 and M2 populations were grown. There were nine treatments and one control. Both quantitative and qualitative traits were recorded and analyzed in M2 generation. On analysis, green fodder yield and dry matter yield was found enhanced way better than control. All the quantitative traits like number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, green fodder yield per plant, dry matter yield per plant, leaf stem ratio, leaf dry weight per plant, stem dry weight per plant, leaf area index, seed yield and days to maturity except plant height showed significant variation in the mutated population. The results were comparable to control, for seed yield. From these observations, 0.43% EMS treatment was found to be the best treatment for developing dual purpose fodder cowpea. This treatment could be carried over for further generations and released as varieties or can be used as parents for future breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arya Sukumaran Nair, Gayathri G., Usha C Thomas, Beena Thomas, Amritha Varanya, Priyanka Hulsure https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Nutritional quality evaluation of maize byproducts for green fodder and silage potential
Study assessed nutritive value (fresh and ensiled samples) and silage quality of various maize byproducts: baby corn husk, whole plant post baby corn picking, whole plant post sweet corn harvesting, whole plant with cobs at silage stage, and whole plant post mature cob harvesting. All the samples/genotypes/hybrids were significantly (p <0.01) different for dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE) and crude protein (CP) at the fodder stage. The highest DM (33.6%) was observed in whole plant, including the grain sample and the least in baby corn husk (14.66%). Similarly, the least CP (3.25%) was observed in the whole plant after harvesting the mature cob, and the highest was in the sweet corn plant (9.36%). The silage pH of samples was in the range of 3.3-4. Baby corn husk as green fodder and silage maintained good quality (DM, CP, NDF, ADF and ash contents), while others followed quality sequence IQPMH 18-2>IBCH 1>Sugar 75> LQPMH 1. This study revealed the potential of utilizing various maize crop byproducts as silage.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Assessment of yield and quality of moringa (Moringa oleifera) as a perennial forage crop under varying sowing patterns and cutting heights
An experiment was conducted at ICAR-CIRG, Makhdoom, from 2021 to 2023, to study the effects of sowing patterns and cutting heights on the green fodder yield, nutrient uptake, and production cost of forage moringa. The experiment consisted of three sowing patterns (30×15 cm, 45×15 cm and 60×15 cm) and four cutting heights (15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) in a split-plot design with three replications. Results showed that sowing at 30×15 cm produced the highest green fodder yield (209.57 kg ha-¹), crude protein, nutrient uptake, net returns (Rs 244,056 ha-¹) and B:C ratio (2.39), with the lowest production cost (Rs 0.84 kg-¹). Harvesting of moringa at 30 cm height from the ground yielded the highest fodder (199.12 kg ha-¹), net returns (Rs 238,763 ha-¹), and B:C ratio (2.49) with the lowest cost (Rs 0.81 kg-¹). However, cutting height had no significant effect on nutrient content, uptake, or crude protein content.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd. Arif, Ravindra Kumar, Arvind Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Floristic composition of ibecetane cattle multiplication ranch rangeland
The floristic composition and pastoral value of the Ibecetane cattle multiplication ranch center in the Niger Republic were investigated in 2022. The rangeland consisted of three soil-geomorphological units. 4 parallel transect lines of 6 km length crossing the landscape units in the East-west direction at 500 +m width from each other were set on the rangeland. Along each transect plot, samples of 50 × 50 m area were demarcated and, 30 quadrats of 1m² were randomly assigned per sampling unit and the herbaceous layer was harvested. Results indicated that 45 herbaceous species with a 3.22 diversity value comprising 23 grasses and 22 legumes belonging to 37 families were identified. Two groups can be distinguished, one group with a soil coverage higher than 10% and including Cenchrus biflorus (35.6%), Tribulus terrestris (11.9%) and Dactyloctenium aegyptium (11.2%), while the other group had less than 10% soil coverage percentage. Distribution analysis of the herbaceous species indicated that the dominant species was C. biflorus 36.9% followed by Dactyloctenium aegyptium (11.6%), Alysicarpus ovalifolius (9.9%) and Tribulus terrestris (12.3%). Cenchrus and Tribulus terrestris pastures were dominant on shallow limon-clays soils with 3.47 and 0.68 diversity and equitability indexes against and on sandy soil with 1.99 and 0.48, respectively. The C biflorus and D. aegyptium pasture present on mixt or mixt soil type had a frequency of 35.3 and 11.8% with a diversity and equitability value of 2.93 and 0.60, respectively. Overall, the pasture is of good quality and management is required to restore the lost perennials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Moumouni Ousseini, Keiba Dar, Habiboulaye Seydou, Baba Muhammad, Inusa S.K. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Historical changes affecting pastoralism in Banni grasslands and contemporary priorities of the pastoralists
Pastoralism in Banni grasslands has evolved and adapted to significant ecological, geo-political, socio-economic and policy changes. This article critically examined the historical changes affecting pastoralism in Banni grasslands and identified the contemporary priorities of pastoralists concerning their livelihood. A socio-economic investigation was undertaken in Banni grasslands from 2014 to 2019 using primary, secondary and historical data. Traditionally, the pastoralists of Banni, mainly represented by the Maldhari community, have been amongst the finest cattle breeders and suppliers of the superior Kankrej bullocks for draught purposes in the region. The designation of Banni as a Protected Forest (1955) and the planting of Prosopis juliflora (1960s) by the Forest Department of Gujarat State are significant milestones in Banni after India’s independence. Pastoralists perceived that their livelihood is mainly constrained by successive and severe droughts, rapid invasion of P. juliflora, lack of access to dairy cooperatives, overgrazing and overall degradation in that order of severity. However, the community adapted to these ecological and policy changes by gradually replacing pastoralism with semi-migratory and sedentary animal husbandry/ dairy enterprise. Since the production potential of Banni grasslands has decreased, the cost of livestock rearing has increased as purchases from the market are compensating for the fodder shortage. Further, pastoralist households have diversified their livelihoods through charcoal production (20% of households), handicrafts (3%), services (2%) and tourism/ trade (2%). Still, >93% of households in Banni are engaged in pastoralism/ dairy enterprise contributing 82% to the economy of the grasslands. Granting of community rights for use, conservation and management of Banni; increasing the carrying capacity of the grasslands; management of droughts; and access to dairy cooperatives in interior parts are the contemporary priorities perceived by the pastoralists.
Copyright (c) 2025 B. L. Manjunatha, M. Sureshkumar, Dipika Hajong, R. S. Shekhawat, S. P. S. Tanwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Assessment of carrying capacity of different silvipastoral system for sustainable sheep production in Western zone of Tamil Nadu, India
A study was conducted to assess the carrying capacity of silvipastoral-based agroforestry systems in dryland regions of Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, over a two-year period through on-farm field experiments. The treatments consisted of five silvipastoral systems viz., Acacia leucophloea + Cenchrus ciliaris (T1), A. leucophloea + C. ciliaris + Stylosanthes hamata (T2), A. leucophloea + C. setigerus + S. hamata (T3), A. leucophloea + Sorghum bicolor + Phaseolus trilobus (T4) and A. leucophloea + C. setigerus + S. hamata and S. bicolor + P. trilobus (T5). Six Mecheri sheep (five ewes and one ram) were maintained in each location of silvipastoral system. The results obtained from two years and three locations indicated higher Cenchrus equivalent yield, utilization rate and carrying capacity of 11010 kg ha-1, 80.5% and 39 sheep ha-1, respectively in T5, followed by 9713 kg ha-1, 79.8% and 34 sheep ha-1, respectively in T4. Thus, the A. leucophloea + C. setigerus + S. hamata and S. bicolor + P. trilobus (T5) silvipastoral system was found to be ideal for higher forage yield and carrying capacity of pasture in the western region of the Tamil Nadu.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. S. Mynavathi, V. M. Sankaran, C. Valli, C. Jayanthi, D. Ravisankar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Evaluation of livestock feed supply and demand in districts surrounding Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia: A strategy for biodiversity conservation
The escalating human activities in and around Bale Mountain National Park (BMNP) present a considerable risk to the park’s biodiversity and ecological balance. The study evaluated the livestock feed balance and stability in the three districts —Adaba, Dinsho, and Goba, surrounding the BMNP in Ethiopia. A random sampling technique was employed to select the 263 households from the three districts. Data were collected by administering semi-structured interviews using a cross-sectional survey method and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results displayed the annual feed supply and the amount required per household in terms of dry matter (DM = 23.69 ± 1.61 tonnes), metabolizable energy (ME = 207628.3 MJ/kg), and digestible crude protein (DCP = 1377.7 kg). The annual feed production in the study districts was limited to 41%, 60.65%, and 60.71% of the total required dry matter (DM), digestible crude protein (DCP), and metabolizable energy (ME) per household, respectively. The findings indicated that the total yields of dry matter, digestible crude protein, and metabolizable energy were adequate for only 6.3 months on average per district. It was suggested that effective strategies be implemented to support local communities in mitigating feed scarcities and enhancing land use for sustainable livestock production and biodiversity conservation in the study areas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Mussa Abdulahi, Flintan Fiona, Ayana Angassa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Growth and yield performance of fodder grasses and their impact on soil physico-chemical properties in Jammu subtropics, India
The growth and yield performance of seven fodder grasses were evaluated under tree shade and in open-field conditions during 2021-2023 in the sub-tropical region of Jammu, India. The experiment included 7 treatments representing different grass species: T1- Setaria anceps (var. S-25), T2- Sorghum bicolor, T3- Setaria anceps (var. PSS-1), T4- Pennisetum purpureum, T5- Paspalum notatum, T6- Brachiaria decumbens and T7- Natural grass, grown both under the shade of Terminalia chebula trees and in open (control) conditions. Tree shade recorded a positive effect on growth parameters exhibiting higher plant height, leaf length, and leaf area whereas, physiological attributes (chlorophyll content, crop growth rate, relative growth rate) and yield parameters (fresh and dry yield) of grasses were higher in open conditions. Only a marginal improvement in soil physico-chemical properties compared to the initial fertility status was recorded. The findings suggested that in order to enhance forage production and ensure year-round fodder availability the grass species might preferably be grown in open conditions. Setaria anceps var. PSS-1 exhibited the maximum fresh and dry forage yield and might be a suitable choice for open-field cultivation in this region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jigmet Namgial, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Meenakshi Gupta, Vikas Abrol, Lalit Upadhaya, Mohd Javaid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The dependence of tribal community on forest resources for household fodder security in Gurez Himalaya of Kashmir
The study investigated dependence on forests for fodder security, the economic valuation and socio-economic determinants of fodder extraction in the Gurez Himalaya. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select the sub-divisions (03), villages (18) and households (337). Data were collected using structured interviews, non-participant observation, focus group discussions (FGDs) and rapid market assessments (RMA). Results revealed that the total collection of green forest fodder was 1577.75 tonnes/year @ 4.68 tonnes/household/year, of which 1290.59 tonnes/year were consumed for subsistence and 287.15 tonnes/year were sold for cash income. The economic value of the fodder extracted from forests was Rs 12622000/-year @ Rs 37454/-household/year. It included Rs 10324796/-year as subsistence and Rs 2297204/-year as cash income. The forest dependence index (FDI) was intermediate (mean=0.348, SD=0.155) while the relative forest income (RFI) was low (mean=0.074, SD=0.070). Socio-economic variables such as education, family size, family labour, herd size, on-farm income, off-farm income, land holding, wealth status and annual income had significant effect on the forest fodder dependence.
Copyright (c) 2025 M.A. Islam, Ummar Atta, A.A. Wani, A.A. Gatoo, Murtaza Shah, K.A. Sofi, G.M. Bhat, A.A. Parrey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Characterization of lablab bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) germplasm for agro-morphological and biochemical traits of forage value
Lablab bean is one of the important legume crops of tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Its green pods possessed high nutritive value, while green foliage and vines provide hay and silage. Characterization of germplasm is the foremost step for genetic improvement of any crop. In the present study, 135 accessions of lablab bean, along with two checks, were characterized for eight qualitative and eleven quantitative traits, as well as three forage biochemical traits (total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, and total phenolics). Wide variability was observed among the lablab bean genotypes for all the agro-morphological and biochemical traits. In the majority of genotypes, growth habit was spreading, followed by semi-erect and erect. Narrow-leaf shape showed predominance over oval and hastate shapes. The green color of veins was predominant over purple color, while smooth pods were predominant over hairy pods. The leaves, flowers and pods showed wide color variation. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for all the quantitative and forage biochemical traits. Traits such as plant height, number of branches, pod length, number of seeds per pod, green forage yield, and total phenols exhibited high estimates of all variability components, including GCV, PCV, broad-sense heritability, and genetic advance over the means. The best genotypes for total carotenoids were ICO411027 and ICO411085 (208.6 μg/g each), while for total phenols were ICO411060 and ICO411127 (29.7 mg/g each). The genotypes characterized here can be utilized to strengthen future lablab breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shubham Chouriya, Geetanjali Sahay, Brijesh K Mehta, Reetu, Nilamani Dikshit, Anjali Kak, P. Shashikumara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Classification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) germplasm accessions for various agro-morphological parameters
Germplasm characterization serves as the base for sustainable conservation and increased use of crop genetic resources. A total of 132 sorghum germplasm accessions were morphologically characterized and grouped based on DUS descriptors suggested by PPV & FRA (2007) to determine the genetic potential of the accessions to be utilized in future breeding programs. Among 33 DUS traits observed, nine traits were dimorphic, seven traits were trimorphic and the remaining 16 were found to be polymorphic, revealing a wide spectrum of genetic variability among studied accessions signifying their potential to serve as genetic markers for varietal identification and characterization. The clustering patterns based on morphological traits revealed five distinct groups, with a majority of released varieties and pre-release cultures being grouped under a single cluster. The promising accessions viz., KO5 19, SO3 260, Madurai Kattai Sevappu, SO3 517 and SO3 88 identified based on available marker traits could serve as potential donors for grain mold resistance, whereas accessions such as KO5 116, KO5 69, KO5 108, TNS 682 and RPHT 14 could be used in further improvement of grain and forage sorghum types.
Copyright (c) 2025 S. Santhiya, D. Kavithamani, B. Selvi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Genetic diversity and structure analysis of white maize populations
Globally though yellow maize is more popular, white maize has its own niche in specific parts around the world including Central America, southern United States, northern part of South America, Mexico, Africa and some parts of Asia. However, efforts on white maize improvement are very scarce, particularly in India. The aim of the study was to characterize white maize populations for yield traits and to establish heterotic patterns using molecular markers. Twenty seven white maize populations comprising of 16 from CIMMYT, Mexico, 6 from Srinagar and 5 from NBPGR were characterized for yield traits, viz., NRPE (number of rows per ear), NKPR (number of kernel per row) and HSWT (hundred seed weight), and also characterized using SSR markers. Six populations were identified for higher NRPE; four populations for higher NKPR and five populations with high HSWT. Structure analysis identified three major populations, viz., P1, P2 and P3 consisting five, eleven and ten pure sub-populations, respectively. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed that all the populations were distributed across the four quadrangles of the scatter plot. Efforts on heterotic grouping identified six populations for NRPE in HG-I (Heterotic Group-I), and three populations in HG-II (Heterotic Group-II). Further, all Indian populations were grouped in cluster A whereas CIMMYT populations are distributed in two different clusters (B and C). The populations were identified for different yield traits belonging to different heterotic groups. The inbred lines derived from these identified populations will have higher yield and will produce superior hybrids upon crossing inbreds from opposite heterotic groups.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abhijit Kumar Das, Shubhank Dixit, Deepak Bhamare, Ramesh Kumar, Yathish K. R., Shyambir Singh, Bhupender Kumar, Suby SB, Zahoor Ahmed Dar, Arushi Arora, Santosh Kumar, Sujay Rakshit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Genetics of resistance against powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. avenae) in oat (Avena sativa) under northwestern Himalayan conditions
The inheritance pattern of oat’s resistance to powdery mildew (caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae), one of the most destructive foliar diseases, was investigated. The segregation pattern of resistance was studied in progenies of F1, F2 and BC1 generations, derived from different cross combinations of three resistant oat genotypes viz., JPO-46, Palampur-1 and KRR-AK-26 with susceptible genotype HJ-8. Progenies were grown under natural epiphytotic and controlled conditions in the humid, sub-tropical climate of Palampur, located in the northwestern Himalayas. The resistant reaction of the F1 plants, derived from different cross combinations, suggested the dominance of resistance over susceptibility to powdery mildew in oat genotypes. F2 segregation of each cross showed a close fit to a 3:1 (Resistant: Susceptible) ratio as determined by significant chi-square value, both under field and controlled conditions, representing true genetic segregation. Backcross combinations (BC1) of each cross further agreed with the dominant behavior of the resistance, as shown by the segregation pattern of a 1:1 ratio. Hence, this study confirmed the single dominant gene-governed resistance of three genotypes, viz., JPO-46, Palampur-1, and KRR-AK-26, against powdery mildew. These lines can be utilized in breeding programs as valuable donors of resistance to powdery mildew for incorporation into the cultivated varieties of oats.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rajni Devi, Vinod Kumar Sood, Devinder Kumar Baniyal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Exploring comparative nutritional dynamics of conventional and hybrid varieties of Moringa oleifera in goat rumen inoculum
The present study aimed to evaluate the comparative nutritional value of Desi and PKM-1 varieties of Moringa oleifera foliage using in-vitro gas production (IVGP) technique in goat feeding. Five groups were established, with substrates comprising a mix of wheat straw and concentrate (60:40 ratio) without moringa foliage serving as the control (CON). The other groups were designated as P-10 and P-20 incorporating PKM-1 moringa foliage at 10% and 20%, respectively; and D-10 and D-20 incorporating Desi moringa foliage at 10% and 20%, respectively. The study revealed that PKM-1 variety exhibited significantly higher (P<0.01) organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) content, while total ash (TA) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content were significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to Desi moringa foliage. The polyphenolic content remained comparable (P>0.05) between both varieties. Additionally, PKM-1 showed significantly higher (P<0.05) levels of phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) minerals compared to Desi moringa foliage. Furthermore, total gas volume (ml/200 mg) produced after 24 hours of incubation was significantly (P<0.01) higher in P-20 group compared to CON, D-10, D-20, and P-10 groups. Substrate degradation, measured as truly degradable organic matter in the rumen (TDOMR in mg/200mg; %), was higher (P<0.01) in P-20 group, followed by D-20 and P-10 groups, while it was lowest in D-10 and CON groups. Microbial biomass production (MBP in mg/200 mg), efficiency of microbial biomass production (% TDOMR), and partitioning factor (PF in mg TDOMR/ml gas volume) were also higher (P<0.01) in P-20 group, followed by D-20, P-10, and D-10 groups, with the lowest values observed in CON group. Hence, the incorporation of PKM-1 Moringa oleifera foliage at 20% of total dry matter significantly enhanced substrate degradation, truly degradable organic matter in the rumen, and the efficiency of microbial biomass production in goat’s rumen inoculum, as compared to Desi variety.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vasundhara Dhote, Sandeep K Chaudhary, Mahipal Choubey, Abhishek K Singh, Ajeet Singh, Ajit Kumar, Dharmesh Tewari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Nutritive value of foliage from multipurpose tree species in drought-prone southern India
A study was conducted to assess the nutritional value of foliage of fourteen multipurpose tree species from the drought-prone southern semi-arid regions of India, with the aim of evaluating their potential as livestock feed during lean period. The total ash content in the foliage ranged from 6.25% in Tamarindus indica to 19.08% in Salvadora persica. Crude protein (CP) content varied significantly among species, with Morus alba exhibiting the highest CP (19.48%), while T. indica had the lowest (5.16%). The foliage of Ficus virens exhibited the highest carbohydrate content, whereas Leucaena leucocephala had the lowest. Crude fiber content was lower in Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Sesbania grandiflora, and Azadirachta indica compared to other species. With the exception of T. indica, all species had CP levels above 7%, meeting the minimum protein requirement for ruminal cellulolytic bacteria. Calcium content ranged from 75.64 mg in Gliricidia sepium to 189.89 mg in S. persica, while magnesium content varied from 7.23 mg in Gliricidiasepium to 38.80 mg in Crescentia cujete. M. oleifera foliage was particularly rich in iron (2.42 mg) and zinc (0.26 mg). Lignin content was high in A. indica, M. alba, S. grandiflora, and S. persica. Condensed tannin (CT) and total phenol (TP) contents varied significantly among the tree foliage. Total digestible nutrients (TDN), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and forage nutritive value (FNV) also differed significantly among tree species. S. grandiflora had the highest TDN, while T. indica had the lowest. M. oleifera foliage showed the highest in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and metabolizable energy (ME). The forage nutritive value (FNV) ranged from 14.51 in T. indica to 36.22 in L. leucocephala. Overall, foliage from these trees shows potential as an alternate nutritious fodder supplement during the lean period.
Copyright (c) 2025 G. SriManjula Reddy, B. Sahadeva Reddy, DBV Ramana, JM Upendra, B. Sahajadeva Reddy, Rajeswara Rao G https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Melia dubia leaf fodder has higher secondary metabolites in lean period across ranges of Satpura and northwestern Ghats
Important secondary metabolites in Melia dubia Cav. were investigated to reveal variations in these secondary phytochemicals across different provenances within the Satpura and northwestern Ghats Mountain ranges. Secondary metabolites were estimated during the winter and summer seasons of 2020 and 2021 to determine their provenance and seasonal variations. Study revealed that the total alkaloid content (TAC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), total saponin content (TSC), total tannin content (TTC) and total terpenoids content (TTeC) of M. dubia exhibited significant variation (p ≤0.05) among the selected 8 provenances (except TSC) and seasons (winter and summer). TAC, TFC, TSC, TTC, TTeC and TPC ranged from 12.73–13.41, 2.27–2.78, 12.51–16.91, 12.34–12.64, 9.53–16.03 and 7.13–7.76%, respectively. TSC content did not exhibit significant variation among provenances. Leaf fodder TAC, TFC, TSC, TTC and TTeC (14.57, 3.25, 13.01, 15.64 and 8.04%, respectively) was significantly higher in the winter season and TPC was significantly higher (19.44%) in the summer season. The interaction effect due to provenance and season was statistically significant for all attributes. Findings suggested that the winter season i.e. lean period fodder of M. dubia possesses higher secondary metabolites and could be utilized for fodder quality improvement. These secondary metabolites in M. dubia leaf fodder could be a rich source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity, among others.
Copyright (c) 2025 S. S. Malek, N. S. Thakur, R. P. Gunaga, V. R. Patel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Evaluation of productivity and profitability of summer season forage cowpea at varying jeevamrit formulations and their application interval
The concept of ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ is gaining popularity among the farmers due to their increasing awareness about soil, plant, animal and human health as well as increasing cultivation cost. The present study was carried out to optimize the jeevamarit formulation and their spraying interval in summer forage cowpea. The experiment was conducted with treatments consisting of three jeevamrit formulations viz. jeevamrit-1 (5 kg cow dung + 2.5-liter cow urine), jeevamrit-2 (10 kg cow dung + 5-liter cow urine) and jeevamrit-3 (15 kg cow dung + 7.5-liter cow urine); and three spraying intervals (at every one, two and three week’s intervals). The results revealed that both formulations and their spraying interval had a significant effect on fodder yield, nutritional quality, net energy for lactation, nutrient uptake, net returns and benefit cost ratio. The maximum green fodder yield was recorded with spraying of jeevamrit formulations-3 at every 2-week interval (32.4 t ha-1). The maximum net returns (Rs 22853 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.81) was recorded with spraying of jeevamrit formulations-2 at every 2-week intervals. Thus, spraying of jeevamrit formulations-2 at every 2-week interval was found to be most effective for maximum productivity, profitability and quality of summer season forage cowpea.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd. Arif, Arvind Kumar, Ravindra Kumar, D. L. Gupta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Integrated weed management practices for effective weed control and quality fodder production in sorghum and cowpea under rainfed conditions
Identification of appropriate and efficient weed management tactics is a continuous process in order to cope with the emergence of new weed species and weed shifts in any cropping system. Therefore, a study was conducted to screen suitable herbicides and develop integrated weed management tactics for forage sorghum and cowpea. The bioassay and field study results suggested that oxadiargyl for sorghum and imazethapyr for cowpea exhibited selectivity and effectively controlled the weeds. The former could be used as an alternative herbicide to conventional atrazine and atrazine + pendimethalin herbicides for sorghum and the latter for pendimethalin and alachlor herbicides for cowpea. The integrated weed management study further demonstrated that Pre-application of oxadiargyl alone and Pre-application of oxadiargyl followed by manual weeding at 40 DAS for sorghum and PRE-application of imazethapyr alone and PRE-application of imazethapyr and Pre-application of imazethapyr followed by manual weeding for cowpea was effective in controlling broad spectrum weeds and resulted in higher green fodder yield.
Legume integration and zinc fortification enhanced yield and quality of maize-based forage systems
The synergistic effects of maize-legume intercropping and zinc fortification were studied on forage yield, quality and profitability in the temperate climate of Kashmir in the years 2020 and 2021. Treatment sets included five cropping systems viz. sole maize, sole cowpea, sole soybean, maize + cowpea (2:1), maize + soybean (2:1) and three zinc levels; Zn0= control, Zn1 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) and Zn2 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) + 0.5% ZnSO4 spray twice (30 DAS and 50 DAS). Among the cropping systems, sole maize recorded the highest green (45.57 t ha-1) and dry (13.82 t ha-1) fodder yield, followed by maize + soybean intercropping. Soil + foliar zinc application (Zn2) recorded an increase of 10% in green fodder and a 33% increase in dry fodder over control (Zn0). Maize + legume intercropping significantly increased dry matter intake (2.14 and 2.13%), digestible dry matter (62.62 and 61.99%) and total digestible nutrients (64.22 and 63.77%) in maize + cowpea and maize + soybean intercropped systems, respectively, over sole maize. Maize + legume intercropping also improved relative feed value over sole maize and produced good quality fodder. Zinc fertilization significantly increased relative feed value from 106.30% in Zn0 to 111.61% in Zn1 and 116.38% in Zn2. Application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg as soil application + 0.5% ZnSO4 sprayed twice at 30 and 50 DAS to maize + soybean/cowpea intercropping (2:1) system resulted in enhanced yield, better quality and higher profitability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nazim Hamid Mir, Bashir A. Alie, Suheel Ahmad, Sheeraz Saleem Bhat, Zahoor Ahmad Dar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Partial substitution of conventional nitrogen fertilizers with nano urea and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in fodder oats
Oats are an important winter-season cereal fodder crop in India. The field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of nano urea and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the fodder oats during the Rabi season of 2021-22 to 2022-23. A field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications. Results of two years experiment revealed that different nutrient management practices caused significant variations in growth as well as green and dry fodder yield. Application of 75% RDN+ PGPR+ nano urea sprays recorded statistically similar results concerning plant height, number of tillers per running metre, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, stem growth, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, green and dry fodder yields with 100% RDN and 100% RDN+ PGPR during first and second fodder cutting.Treatment 75% RDN+ PGPR+ nano urea obtained 49.15% higher green fodder yield over control. Nano urea and PGPR achieved equal yields with 100% RDN by reducing 25% RDN.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chethan Babu R.T., Magan Singh, Praveen B. R. B. R., Rakeh Kumar, Birendra Kumar, Manjunath S Melavanki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Productivity, profitability and quality of fodder-based cropping systems for year-round fodder production in shivalik foothills plains of India
An experiment was conducted over two consecutive years (2020-2021 and 2021-2022) at the Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-Jammu, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments involved forage-based cropping system comprising combinations of annual cereals, perennial grasses and legume crops. Experimental results revealed that multicut sorghum + maize, along with root slips of napier planted on the field boundaries in July recorded significantly highest green forage yield. During the rabi season, berseem + oat combination with root slips of napier planted on the field boundaries in July was significantly superior to other treatments. Multicut bajra + maize -berseem + barley with stem cuttings of napier planted on the field boundaries in January recorded higher system productivity and profitability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Swati Mehta, Neetu Sharma, B. C. Sharma, Vikas Sharma, Manish Kumar, Vishal Raina, Faraaz Farooq, Joy Samuel MeCarty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effect of picker roller diameter and bristle length in the experimental test rig and the development of mechanical type neem fruit (Azadirachta indica) picker collector
Manual collection of neem fruit is time-consuming, labor intensive and costly, with cost of collection exceeding the selling price. Hence, an investigation was carried out to test the efficiency of pertinent machine variables viz. three levels of picker roller diameter (152, 204, and 250 mm) and three levels of bristle length (30, 40, and 50 mm). A prototype neem fruit picker collector was developed based on the optimized parameters of major components, viz., picker assembly, collector assembly, fruit ejector, connector frame, traction wheels and handle. The developed prototype in actual field conditions can be collected. 48 kg of neem fruit per hour with 75% picking efficiency and, 94% collection efficiency and 24.30% of missing index. Thus, it offers a more efficient alternative to manual collection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suthakar Balakrishnan, Gowtham Manoharan, Surendrakumar Allimuthu, Kavitha Ramasamy, Masilamani Poomaruthai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Optimizing cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) for economic prosperity: A strategic approach to amplify agricultural revenue in Karnataka
Cowpea, a versatile crop, serves as both a nutritious vegetable and valuable fodder, excels in water-limited and soil-deficient environments, and aligns with ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) 2, 3, and 13. Despite Karnataka’s renowned output, cowpea production encounters obstacles and is deemed non-profitable. This study analyzes its growth, forecasts seed demand and resource-use-efficiency and evaluates economics in the region. Primary data was gathered from 125 farmers from five key districts through a field survey conducted in 2022. The study utilized the compound annual growth rate, cost-returns method, and Cobb-Douglass production function for data analysis. Findings reveal an annual declining trend of 3.26% in cowpea cultivation in Karnataka. The projected cultivated area for cowpeas in 2023-24 is 59,271 hectares, requiring a supply of 14,818 quintals of seeds over the specified period. The total cost of cultivation was estimated at Rs 39,510 per hectare. The study demonstrates that cowpea production yields promising net and gross returns per hectare (Rs 1,16,245 and Rs 1,55,755, respectively) with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.94, indicating a potential for doubling farm income. The investigation also demonstrated a noteworthy positive effect on cowpea income resulting from the utilization of resources during the production process, including chemicals, manures, fertilizers, and machinery. The main barriers to the cowpea industry are high labor costs and input expenses.
Copyright (c) 2025 N. Ashoka, Y. Ravi, S. Vishwanatha, M. M. Venkatesha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0