Could a Legume-Switchgrass Sod-Seeding System Increase Forage Productivity?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Forage Production

Background:

• Cattle feed shortage, especially green fodder, limits agricultural economies.
• Switchgrass presents a potential solution for feed scarcity.
• Improved cultivation is necessary for year-round switchgrass forage production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of intercropping switchgrass with legumes (vetch, pea) on hay production and quality.
• To quantify forage yield and nutritional improvements from mixed hay harvests.
• To evaluate the economic benefits of this intercropping system.

Main Methods:

• Cultivating switchgrass in intercropping systems with vetch and pea.
• Implementing optimal fertilization strategies.
• Harvesting mixed switchgrass-legume hay in late spring and switchgrass hay in early fall.

Main Results:

• Intercropping increased forage productivity nearly threefold (7.5 t ha⁻¹).
• Protein content in the hay increased almost threefold (12.5%).
• High fall hay yield was achieved even without fertilization.

Conclusions:

• Intercropping switchgrass with legumes significantly enhances cattle feed yield and quality.
• This system offers economic benefits (90-720 € per ha) and environmental advantages.
• The practice supports a more sustainable agricultural economy compared to monocultures.