Optimizing fodder yield and quality through integrated organic nutrient amendments in multi-crop system.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Growing demand for organic fodder necessitates sustainable agricultural practices.
• Limited research exists on integrated organic nutrient management in multi-crop systems for forage.
• Optimizing forage yield and nutritive value is crucial for livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of integrated organic nutrient amendments on the yield and quality of a maize, berseem, and cowpea multi-crop system.
• To evaluate sustainable nutrient management strategies for forage production.

Main Methods:

• A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2021.
• Seven treatments were tested, including combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and panchagavya foliar spray.
• A control treatment with the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was included for comparison.

Main Results:

• Treatment T6 (100% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya) significantly improved green fodder yields for maize, berseem, and cowpea across all three years.
• This treatment also significantly enhanced forage quality, increasing crude protein, ether extract, and total ash content.
• Reductions in undesirable fiber components were observed with the T6 treatment.

Conclusions:

• Integrated organic nutrient amendments, particularly the combination in T6, are highly effective in enhancing both the yield and nutritional quality of multi-crop forage systems.
• This approach offers a sustainable strategy for improving livestock feed resources.
• The study supports the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices for forage production.