Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assoc. Prof., Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
2
PhD in Agronomy, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
3
Assist. Prof., Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
10.22034/saps.2026.70193.3430
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Water scarcity and increasing demand for high-quality forage necessitate the adoption of intercropping systems that combine forage legumes with winter grasses. This study evaluated the forage production potential of intercropping systems of clovers with winter grasses to identify the best combination for sustainable forage production with optimal use of green water.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran, during the 2024-2025 cropping seasons. Treatments comprised four mixed-cropping systems, four row-intercropping systems, and monocultures of Persian clover, crimson clover, triticale and barley.
Results: The highest fresh forage yield (61.08 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (2.56) and crude protein yield (2032 kg ha-1) were obtained from the row-intercropping system of Persian clover + triticale. The greatest dry matter yield (13.86 t ha-1) with a land equivalent ratio of 2.23 was observed in the row-intercropping system of crimson clover + barley. Compared with grass monocultures, which showed the lowest forage quality, row-intercropping systems significantly increased crude protein content, relative feed value and dry matter digestibility while decreasing the content of insoluble fiber.
Conclusion: Row-intercropping systems, particularly the Persian clover-triticale row-intercropping, were the most effective approach for simultaneously improving forage yield and quality and land productivity. These systems can serve as sustainable alternatives to sole-crop forage production in climates similar to Alborz Province.
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