In limited growing conditions, intercropped field peas and oats can represent a significant source of forage rich in protein. If applied correctly, factors such as nitrogen fertilizer, the mowing phase, and sowing norms can significantly increase the productivity of these mixtures. Field trials were conducted to examine their productivity under different nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 kg ha−1), different sowing norms/mixtures (field peas: oats—100:15%; 100:30%), and two stages of growth (full flowering, full pod formation). Nitrogen fertilizer and different sowing norms had a significant effect on the biomass, hay, and crude protein yields. On average, the highest hay yields were achieved with 80 kg ha−1 N (4.96 t ha−1), followed by 40 kg ha−1 N (4.27 t ha−1). The highest protein yields were achieved with 40 kg ha−1 N (CP—704.1 kg ha−1), followed by 80 kg ha−1 N (CP—637.6 kg ha−1). Sowing norm 100:30% achieved higher hay yields: 100:30%—4.82 t ha−1; 100:15%—4.44 t ha−1, while 100:15% achieved higher crude protein yields: 100:15%—730.4 kg ha−1; 100:30%—692.7 kg ha−1 on average. The costs were not significantly increased with the nitrogen fertilizer, but the net profits were increased by as much as 163%, depending on the nitrogen level and the mixture. Nitrogen fertilizer also achieves higher economic efficiency for the mixture 100:15% compared to the 100:30% mixture. Mixtures of field peas and oats outperform single-grown crops and provide cost-effective feed for a short time. Using optimal seed ratios and nitrogen fertilizer can significantly increase the productivity and profitability of the feed with minimal impact on the overall production costs.

Despite numerous positive effects on the environment, increased demands, intense research, and adequate public attention, crops grown according to the principles of organic production still occupy considerably small areas. It is difficult for certified producers to decide to expand the production of certified organic vegetables. One of the reasons is the insufficiently developed growing technology of different vegetable species in accordance with the law and regulations on organic production. Intercropping, growing of subsequent crops, and application of microbiological fertilizers are considered as the most useful techniques for yield increases in sustainable growing practices. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibilities for enhancing root yield of beetroot and radish, when grown as second crops in an organic double-cropping production system. The effects of intercropping and applying microbial fertilizers on the vegetable root weights were assessed. Intercropping was with green beans, implemented by replacement series method. Two microbial fertilizers were applied, one containing selected strains of Bacillus megatherium, B. licheniformis, B. suptilis, Azotobacter chrocoocum, A. vinelandi and Derxia sp. (M1), and other with Bacillus subtilis, Azotobacter sp., Penicillium oxalicum and Fusarium sp. (M2). Intercropping and microbial fertilizers contributed to the root weight increase. The highest root weights were noted for the intercropped plants treated with M1 (beetroot, 151.8 g) and M2 (radish, 351.0 g), which was 23.5% and 15.5% higher than in the sole crop unfertilized control. The results imply combining intercropping and the appropriate microbial fertilizers as an effective strategy for increasing yields of organically grown beetroot and radish.

Vojvodina Province is a major alfalfa producer in Serbia with approximately 35.7% of total area and total production share of approximately 43.1%. In this paper, the data on area, production and yield of alfalfa observations from 1947 to 2018 and their variation and trends are analysed. The data indicate wide differences in the harvested area, total production and yield of alfalfa. The analysis of data indicates that harvested area and total production of alfalfa have declined over the past decades. Yield trend shows strong yield increase during 1950-1980 followed by periods of declined growth rates to 1990. After 1990s, dry matter yield has been stagnant. However, the increase, decrease and stagnation in yield are not strictly linear.

Monoculture and intensive use of mechanization and inorganic chemicals are leading to degradation and erosion of our soils and agro-ecosystems. At the same time, the production of animal feeds that are rich in protein is constantly decreasing in many European countries. Modest cultivation needs, favorable content of nutrients, and beneficial effect on the environment, make field pea and oat mixtures promising crops to tackle these issues. In three growing seasons and without irrigation or fertilisation, we have examined two basic field pea cultivars (Kosmaj, OS Adam) and one leafless cultivar (OS Letin) intercropped with oat (NS Jadar), with seeding rates, field pea: oat – 100:10%; 100:20%. Results have shown that basic type cultivars have better overall development and higher yields compared to leafless cultivar, whether grown as single crops or in the mixture. Basic cultivars (OS Adam, Kosmaj) achieved higher protein content, compared to cultivar Letin, 163.9 g kg-1 , 153.3 g kg-1 , 136 g kg-1 , respectively. Yields were higher in 100:20% mixtures, compared to 100:10% mixtures and single grown crops, and we conclude that intercropping these species is superior to cultivating them separately. Protein content wasn’t significantly different between two seeding rates, thus seed rates shouldn’t be lower than 100:20%.

A cutting experiment was conducted to test the changes in botanical composition, yield and nutritional value of forage, obtained in conditions of simulated rotational spring grazing on permanent grassland. The experiment was carried out on permanent pasture in vicinity of Sabac, Serbia in 2015 included three cuttings as a simulated rotational spring grazing. The highest share of grasses was noted in the first cut and decreased in the second and third cut, with increased forbs participation, and relatively constant percentage of legumes. The highest dry matter (DM) yield was obtained for the first harvest, followed by the second cut, and the lowest forage production was determined for the third harvest, with only 11.04 and 17.42% of the first and second cut yield. There were not found the significant differences between cuts for herbage DM and crude protein content. Markedly lower value for non-protein N concentration (p<0.05) was determined in the third cut. The fiber content increased during the grazing season (p<0.05), with the highest value determined in the herbage obtained in the second cut. The highest energy values (p<0.05) had the herbage produced in the first cut (DM basis), wherein the lowest values were found in the forage from the second harvest. These results indicate that especially herbage yield of analyzed grassland as chemical composition and nutrition value are highly variable during the growing season. The accurately defined optimal period for using is necessary to provide the high-quality forage for grazing animals.

Stočni grašak predstavlja kvalitetan krmni usev kratke vegetacije