Evaluation of forage production potential in Persian clover-crimson clover intercropping under different planting densities in the climatic conditions of Shahrekord

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

2 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

To investigate the effects of different intercropping patterns of Persian clover and crimson clover under two planting densities on forage yield and quality, a two-year experiment (2020-2022) was conducted in Shahrekord using a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factors included five cropping systems with ratios of 0%-100%, 100%-0%, 75%-25%, 25%-75%, and 50%-50% and two planting densities (20 and 25 kg seed ha-1). The results showed that the highest dry matter digestibility (63.11%), dry matter intake (2.79%), total digestible nutrients (58.61%), ash (6.05%), water-soluble carbohydrates (6.68%), relative feed value (136.4%), net energy for lactation (1.43 Mcal kg-1), and plant height (67.79 cm) were obtained in the intercropping system of 50% Persian clover + 50% crimson clover with a planting density of 20 kg ha-1. The highest dry forage yield (6.60-ton ha-1) was obtained in the crimson clover monoculture with a planting density of 25 kg ha-1, whereas the maximum protein yield (0.85-ton ha-1) was obtained in the 25% Persian clover + 75% crimson clover cropping system with a planting density of 20 kg ha-1. Overall, to achieve both optimal forage yield and quality, the intercropping system of 50% Persian clover + 50% crimson clover with a planting density of 20 kg ha-1 is recommended.

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Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science
Volume 56, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 93-107

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 August 2024
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2025

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