The present study was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2023 –2024 at ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh to explore the effects of seed size and sowing depth on the emergence and morphological development of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Seeds were categorised into large and small seed lots to assess the impact of seed size on germination and vigour using Petri plate tests. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot completely randomised design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangements, with JBSC-1 and Wardan as the main factor and four sowing depths (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 cm) as the sub-factor, replicated thrice. Large seed size showed more seedling vigour as compared to small seed irrespective of berseem. Seeds sown at the surface (0.0 cm) exhibited the highest germination percentage, followed by those sown at 2.0 cm and 4.0 cm depths. However, seeds sown at a 6.0 cm depth failed to germinate in both varieties. Sowing at a depth of 2.0 cm significantly enhanced seedling establishment, plant height, and root-to-shoot ratio. Additionally, plants sown at 2.0 cm depth produced the tallest plants and superior fresh and dry leaf weights. Conversely, deeper sowing depths (4.0 cm and 6.0 cm) delayed germination and reduced plant vigour, while surface sowing and 2.0 cm depth resulted in early germination and better overall plant development. Root length and SPAD values were not significantly influenced by sowing depth. This study demonstrates that both seed size and sowing depth play a crucial role in the early establishment and growth performance of berseem. Large seeds consistently exhibited greater seedling vigour than small seeds, regardless of variety. Among the sowing depths evaluated, 2.0 cm emerged as the optimal depth, promoting superior germination, early establishment, plant height, and biomass accumulation. These insights can guide improved agronomic practices for enhancing stand establishment and fodder yield in berseem cultivation.

Nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for forage crop production, influencing yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Traditional blanket fertilizer recommendations often fail to account for spatial and temporal variability in crop N requirements, leading to sub-optimal yields and environmental risks. We conducted an experiment over three years (2018–2021) at ICAR–IGFRI, Jhansi, India, to evaluate SPAD- and Leaf Color Chart (LCC)-based real-time N management strategies in two oat varieties (JHO-822 and JHO-2012-2). The objective was to determine the relationship between SPAD and LCC scores with leaf N concentration and dry matter (DM) yield, and to identify threshold values for optimized N application. Oat variety JHO-2012-2 was consistently superior over JHO-822 in terms of DM yield (9.3

Water use efficiency (WUE) and biomass yield were evaluated in released berseem varieties and breeding lines. The study included single-cut variety JBSC-1, three multi-cut varieties (Wardan, Bundel Berseem-2, Bundel Berseem-3), six single-cut lines (NU/7/5/15, NU/2/14/2015, NU/2/19/2015, NU/2/23/2015, Ex-8, FAO5), and four multi-cut lines (IL-16-1, IL-16-2, IL-16-3, IL-13-106), grown under pot conditions. Daily plant water requirements were recorded after 10, 20, and 40 consecutive days of irrigation, corresponding to 20, 30, and 40 days after sowing. Among multi-cut lines, IL-16-1 (3.4 g fwt plant-& sup1; kg-& sup1; water) and IL-13-106 (3.2 g fwt plant-& sup1; kg-& sup1; water) exhibited the highest WUE, whereas among single-cut lines, NU/2/19/2015 (12.8 g fwt plant-& sup1; kg-& sup1; water) and NU/2/14/2015 (12.2 g fwt plant-& sup1; kg-& sup1; water) showed superior performance. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) was observed among all photosynthetic pigments. The levels of photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, and membrane stability index showed contrasting associations with green fodder yield, negative in multi-cut and positive in single-cut genotypes. Significant differences (p <0.05, p <0.01) were detected in plant height and dry fodder yield across the evaluated varieties. WUE, assessed on both a fresh and dry matter basis, exhibited a negative association. Notably, the single-cut variety JBSC-1 recorded the highest dry-matter-based WUE (0.23 g dwt plant-& sup1; kg-& sup1; water at 10 days) among all varieties tested.

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21, to assess the effect of different source of nitrogen on fodder yield, economics and N use efficiency of oat (Avena sativa L.). The experiment consisted of seven treatments viz. control (no N); recommended dose of N (RDN); 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through FYM; 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost; 50% N through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea; two spray of nano-urea and site-specific nitrogen management (SSNM). Results showed that application of 50% RDN through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea produced 58.3 t/ha green fodder which was at par with all other treatments except two sprays of nano urea and control. However, green fodder yield reduced under two foliar sprays of nano-urea by 20.7% as compared to 100% RDN (59.2 t/ha). The SSNM treatment recorded the highest net returns (` 49947/ha) and benefit to cost ratio (1.45) which were significantly higher than all other treatments except 100% RDN and 50% RDN through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea. The nano-urea treatments exhibited the highest nitrogen use efficiency. The study suggested that 50% recommended dose of nitrogen through con- ventional fertilizer along with two sprays of nano-urea could be applied in oat to get higher nitrogen use efficiency without any yield reduction.

The study using cross-sectional data collected from 300 dairy farmers has analyzed the factors affecting adoption of improved forage technologies and its impact on milk yield and feed sufficiency in central region. We used inverse-propensity-weighting regression adjustment (IPWRA) method as main technique for impact evaluation and checked the robustness of the results using matching methods. Our findings suggest that education status, adult cattle unit, animal breed type, off-farm income activities, farm size, and access to training and market significantly influence adoption of improved forage technologies and practices. Further, the adoption led to a significant increase in daily milk yield (1.07 to 1.34 L), total dry matter availability by over 27%, and green fodder availability by around 80%. Ration balancing has been identified as a significant concern in the study region. Consequently, the study suggests that adopting a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the issue of proper ration balancing and fully harness the production potential of dairy animals.

Agriculture is the second largest contributor (20 %) to total anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world. There is a need to identify energy and carbon efficient cropping systems that reduce GHG emission and improve environmental quality. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), we evaluated the four cropping systems namely fallow - chickpea (F-C); Sesbania - mustard (Ses-M); blackgram - chickpea (B-C); sorghum + cowpea - mustard (S + C-M) cultivated during the 2018-2022 period. The energy use pattern and the input-output relationship were analysed. Three measures were utilized to quantify carbon footprints: CFa, which denotes emissions per unit area; CFb, indicating emissions per kilogram of yield; and CFe, representing emissions per unit of economic output. The result indicates that non-renewable sources of energy (diesel and fertilizer) contributed more than similar to 80 % of the total energy consumed in the different cropping systems. The total energy requirement was the highest for S + C-M (16,972 MJ ha(-1)), followed by Ses-M (14,365 MJ ha(-1)), B-C (11,132 MJ ha(-1)) and F-C (8679 MJ ha(-1)) cropping systems. The S + C-M cropping system also had the highest energy use efficiency (9.13) followed by F-C (6.03), B-C (5.41) and Ses-M (5.41). The fallow-chickpea cropping system had the lowest values of CFa, CFb, and CFe however, the highest carbon efficiency (10.7) and the carbon sustainability index (9.7) were computed in S + C-M cropping system. Our findings indicate that thoughtfully structured, varied crop systems that integrate legumes and forage crops have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, while sustaining or potentially improving overall productivity within these systems.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of intercropping and zinc application on weed density and forage yield in the Bundelkhand region during the Rabi season of 2020-2021 at the Research Farm of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi. The experiment comprised eight treatments with sole cropping of oat (CS1) and intercropping of oat with berseem (CS2)] in the main plot and four nutrient management practices [control (NM1), recommended dose of fertilizers RDF (NM2), recommended dose of fertilizers with zinc sulfate (NM3) and recommended dose of fertilizers with nano zinc (NM4)] in sub-plots in split plot design. The results showed that the weed density (150 m-2) and weed biomass (26.1 g m-2) in CS2 was found significantly lower than CS1 (186 m-2 and 34.5 g m-2, respectively). NM4 treatment had significantly lower weed density (158 m-2) and weed biomass (25.6 g m-2) than NM3 (215 m-2 and 45.13 g m-2) and NM2 (175 m-2 and 25.6 g m-2) among nutrient management practices. Also, intercropping + RDFnZn treatment produced significantly the highest green fodder yield (57.3 t ha-1) when compared to the rest of the treatments

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21, to assess the effect of diverse nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield and quality of fodder oat. The experiment consisted of seven treatments viz., control (no N); a recommended dose of N (RDN); 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through FYM; 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost; 50% N through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea; two sprays of nano-urea; site-specific nitrogen management (SSNM). Results showed that diverse nitrogen fertilization brought considerable improvement in the growth, productivity and fodder quality of oats. Application of 50% RDN through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost produced significantly the highest green (61.1 t/ha) and dry fodder yields (10.19 t/ha), which were at par with all other treatments except two sprays of nano urea and control. The increase in green and dry fodder yield was 92.8 and 87.2% over control. Furthermore, the highest CP content (12.1%) and CP yield (1212 kg/ha) were obtained under SSNM, which was at par with all other treatments except control and two sprays of nano-urea. However, a reverse trend was observed in acid detergent fiber. The study suggested that integrated use of fertilizer and organic manure could be applied in oats to get higher fodder yield and quality.

Moisture stress in rainfed areas has significant adverse impact on plant growth and yield. Exogenous application of plant bio-regulators (PBRs) plays an important role to mitigate drought stress in plants. A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 to explore the positive role of PBRs on the yield, economic feasibility and water use efficiency of maize grown under rainfed conditions. Ten treatments including PBRs, mulching and control were evaluated in a randomized block design. The result showed that foliar spray of salicylic acid (0.5 mM) with 1% urea solution improved the grain yield of maize by 24% as compared to control plot. Other PBRs such as glycine betaine, gibberellic acid and thiourea also increased the grain yield in the range of 10–21%. Application of 1% urea solution with PBRs synergise the effect of PBR to alleviate drought stress. The foliar applied PBRs maintained higher membrane stability index (73–78%), significantly increased relative water content (5–11%), chlorophyll content and decreased the proline content (11–21%) as compared to plants grown in control plot. Significant increase were noted in the rain and crop water use efficiency of maize with the foliar application of PBRs. Net returns were improved by 33% with application of salicylic acid (0.5 mM) + 1% urea as compared to control (₹49 × 103 /ha). Thus, foliar spray of salicylic acid (0.5 mM) with 1% urea solution could be an economic feasible strategy to reduce the adverse effects of drought and may increase the maize yield and water use efficiency.

A four year field investigation was carried out in sub-temperate conditions of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (India) to study the performance of Napier bajra hybrid at variable levels of nitrogen under Eucalyptus tereticornis trees plantation. Significantly better growth as well as green and dry forage yields was obtained under no shade (open) condition. Tree shade reduced the herbage yield and economic returns appreciably. Herbage yield increased with increasing doses of nitrogen upto 125% recommended nitrogen. Quality parameters i.e. crude protein, ADF, NDF, nitrate and oxalate contents in forage were higher under tree shade conditions. Crude protein, nitrate and oxalate contents increased with increasing doses of nitrogen but reduction in ADF and NDF contents were observed at higher doses of nitrogen.

A study was conducted at college farm of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India to evaluate the influence of integrated application of different nutrient sources on growth, yield and nutrient content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. Under different nutrient sources, i.e. control, 50 to 100% RDF, FYM 5 t ha-1, biofertilizers and their combined application were done. Findings exhibits that the application of 75 % RDF+5 t FYM ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB in wheat, significantly enhanced all growth (dry matter, chlorophyll content, total tillers, CGR, RGR and others) & yield attributes (Effective tillers, test weight and others), grain yield (4.12 t ha-1) and as quality, nutrient (N, P, K) content and protein content of wheat over rest of treatments, but it remained statistically at par with 100 % RDF+5 t FYM ha-1+ Azotobacter+PSB (grain yield 4.18 t ha-1). Thus, it is concluded that for better nutrient management, an integration of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers sould be done. With application of 75 % RDF+5 t FYM ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB, there is 25% saving of nutrients as compared to 100 % RDF+5 t FYM ha-1+ Azotobacter+PSB.

Weed management is impeccable for achieving the self-sufficiency in the availability of quality forage. Effective and environmentally sound weed management options are required at this time. Hence, a study was initiated with an objective to study the effect of post emergence (POE) application of propaquizafop and the combination of stale seedbed technique (SST) fb propaquizafop POE (0.075 kg a.i. ha-1) on the weed control and yield of berseem. The results showed that the combination of SST fb propaquizafop POE was superior on berseem plant m-2, grass weed (GW) density and biomass, broadleaf weeds (BL) density and green fodder yield (GFY). However, SST fb propaquizafop POE and propaquizafop POE alone was comparable with the grass weed density and biomass throughout the study. Furthermore, it indicates that POE application of propaquizafop is not an effective option for BL control in berseem. Furthermore, the weed problem is a threat throughout the growth period of the crop. Therefore, applying herbicides (propaquizafop POE at 0.075 kg a.i. ha-1) for grassy weed control or manual weeding at 10 days after each cut, could be a worthwhile option for broad-spectrum weed control and higher yield in berseem.

Context In developing countries there is a preference to grow food crops rather than forage. However, suitable food–fodder based systems ensure year-round green fodder availability for profitable livestock production. Aims This study aimed to determine whether including single cut Egyptian clover (SEC) in the existing cropping systems could improve system productivity, forage availability and economic returns. Method Nine SEC based cropping systems were tested in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Key results Sorghum–SEC–wheat (late sown) cropping system produced 18% greater wheat equivalent yield compared with a popularly adopted sorghum–wheat system (8.9 Mg ha−1). The water productivity (1.80 kg m−3) of this system was also improved in the sorghum–multi-cut Egyptian clover system (1.74 kg m−3). There was a marginal increase in dry matter yield and crude protein content of the succeeding sorghum crop when it was rotated with Egyptian clover. The inclusion of Egyptian clover also improved the soil organic carbon (23%) and available nitrogen (15%) compared with cereal–cereal systems. The findings identify a sustainable intensification option in the sorghum-based cropping system with short duration Egyptian clover (single cut) as an economically feasible and ecologically effective approach. Conclusion Integration of single cut Egyptian clover in sorghum–wheat rotation as a catch crop recorded greater system productivity, water-use efficiency and economic returns to achieve the sustainable crop intensification. Implication The SEC can be an effective option for diversification and intensification of cropping systems to improve fodder availability, yield, boost income and improve soil health.

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj, Kota (Agriculture University, Kota), Rajasthan, India during kharif 2019 to find out the most effective herbicide combination for limiting the menace of weeds in maize. Results showed that application of herbicides observed highest net returns, B: C ratio and nutrient uptake. Among herbicides, atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtopramezone 25.2 g a.i.ha-1 at 20-25 DAS fetched significantly highest net returns of `54984 ha-1 being at par with atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtembotrione 120.75 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (`52500 ha-1), over rest of the treatments under investigation. Furthermore, maximum and significantly higher Benefit: cost ratio was obtained in treatment receiving atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtopramezone 25.2 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (3.42).A weedy crop resulted least nutrient uptake than weed free crop.The highest nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) was recorded under treatment receiving two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS followed by atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtopramezone 25.2 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS. Treatment two hand weeding at 20 & 40 DAS being at par with atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) + hand weeding at 30 DAS with in situ mulching with weeds, atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtembotrione 120.75 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS, and atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fbtopramezone 25.2 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS recorded significantly highest nutrient uptake in grain, stover and total over rest of the treatments under investigation. Minimum nitrogen uptake was obtained under treatment weedy check.Thus, pre-emergence application of atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) followed by topramezone 25.2 g a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS is recommended for highest net returns and nutrient uptake of maize.

A field study was carried out at college farm of JNKVV, Jabalpur, M.P. to investigate the effect of different weed control treatments on weed flora and soybean. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Nine treatments were comprised of chlorimuron-ethyl 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 g ha-1, hand weeding, mechanical weeding, combined application of weeding and chlorimuron 24 g ha-1 and lastly weedy check. Application of herbicide and weeding effectively controlled weeds flora and their density rather than weedy check. Among all the treatments hand weeding recorded higher yield attributes, yield (1.69 t ha-1 grain) and net monetary returns (`20011.7 ha-1), but it was at par with chlorimuron-ethyl 24 g/ha along with mechanical weeding, that recorded 1.69 t ha-1 grain yield and `20023.8 ha-1 NMR.

Reference evapotranspiration (ET ) is controlled by climatic factors; hence, its estimation provides an idea 0 about the atmospheric demand of water. Machine learning techniques like elastic net (ELNET), K-nearest neighbours (KNN), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), partial least squares regression (PSLR), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), XGBoost and cubist were employed to predict daily reference evapotranspiration based on daily weather parameters of twenty years. Penman-Monteith method was used as the reference method for ET estimation. All models performed well during calibration showing 0 higher coefficient of determination (R2) which ranged from 0.97 (for PLSR) to 1 (for cubist models). Mean absolute error during calibration ranges from 0.027 mm d-1 for cubist to 0.607 mm d-1 for ELNET. Cubist model (R2 = 1, MAE = 0.017 mm d-1, RMSE = 0.027 mm d-1) outperformed other models during the calibration. During validation, the coefficient of determination (R2) for the machine learning models varied from 0.819 to 1, RMSE varied from 0.06 to 0.60 mm d-1 and MAE varied from 0.031 to 0.38 mm d-1. Based on statistical parameters, best performance was observed for cubist model (R2 = 1, RMSE = 0.06 mm d-1, MAE = 0.031 mm d-1) among the studied machine learning models for the prediction of reference evapotranspiration. Hence, the cubist model may be used to estimate daily reference evapotranspiration for the studied region.

An integrated forage-legume cropping system has immense potential to address the issue of land degradability. It provides a critical understanding of the capacity of diversified species mixes vs. monocultures to boost forage production and the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and phosphorus (P). In this study, we assessed the performance of Napier Bajra Hybrid (NBH) (Pennisetum glaucum × P. purpureum) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and tri-specific hybrid (TSH) (P. glaucum × P. purpureum × P. squamulatum) + cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as compared to monocultures of NBH and TSH. The legume equivalent yield of NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean intercropping systems were found −31% and −23% higher than monoculture systems. The SOC increased by −5% in the NBH + cowpea system as compared to NBH monoculture. The carbon mineralization rates under NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean were −32% and −38% lower than the NBH and TSH monoculture cropping systems, respectively. It was found that the legume intensification with the forage significantly improved the soil’s P status. The research suggested that coalescing diverse crops (e.g., grass and legume) poses enormous potential for sustaining soil health and productivity in semi-arid regions of India. This study advances the research on characterizing the crucial factors of grass-legume-based cropping systems and helps in assessing the impact of these factors on long-term sustainability.

This study assessed the impact of improved green fodder production activities on technical efficiency (TE) of dairy farmers in climate vulnerable landscapes of central India. We estimated stochastic production frontiers, considering potential self-selection bias stemming from both observable and unobservable factors in adoption of fodder interventions at farm level. The empirical results show that TE for treated group ranges from 0.55 to 0.59 and that for control ranges from 0.41 to 0.48, depending on how biases are controlled. Additionally, the efficiency levels of both adopters and non-adopters would be underestimated if the selectivity bias is not appropriately accounted. As the average TE is consistently higher for adopter farmers than the control group, promoting improved fodder cultivation would increase input use efficiency, especially in resource-deprived small holder dairy farmers in the semi-arid tropics.

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during 2018-2019 to 2019-2020 with eight grass-based cropping systems to assess the fodder productivity and their economic viability. The highest green and dry fodder yields of 160.8 and 40.2 t ha(-1) were recorded with sole pearl millet napier hybrid. Maximum pearl millet napier hybrid green fodder equivalent yield of 164.7 t ha(-1), system productivity of 451.2 kg ha(-1) day(-1), gross return of Rs. 247000 ha(-1), net return of Rs. 163245 ha(-1), monetary return use efficiency Rs 447.2 ha(-1) day(-1) and B: C ratio of 3.0 were recorded with paired planting of pearl millet napier hybrid + Desmanthus when compared to other grass based combinations or systems.

Weeds are the major pests of forage production in India. An herbicide program is necessary for effective weed control in Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). The study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 (two years) with an aim to evaluate the response of Egyptian clover and weeds to different herbicides that were being used in various cropping systems in Uttar Pradesh, India. Weed density and biomass, phytotoxicity of herbicides on crop, chlorophyll and carotenoid content in crop samples, root nodulation, soil dehydrogenase activity, soil microbial activity and herbicides effect on dry fodder yield were evaluated. Seventeen (three grasses, and 14 broadleaves) different weed species were observed in this study. Anagallis arvensis L., Cichorium intybus L., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Wild. and Phalaris minor Retz. were the dominant weed species during the crop season. Among herbicides, Alachlor PRE and Imazethapyr PRE decreased grass weeds by 72% and 75% respectively, compared to weedy check, with no injury to crop at 25 days after sowing (DAS). However, alachlor PRE has controlled 64% more broadleaf weeds compared to Imazethapyr. At 50 DAS, imazethapyr POST, alachlor PRE fb quizalofop-ethyl POST provided excellent control of weeds, and resulted in yield equivalent to non-treated weed free check. Further, alachlor (PRE) fb quizalofop-ethyl (POST) and imazethapyr (POST) were selective herbicides on Egyptian clover (very slight to slight injury), recorded greatest nodule number (23–38 plant−1) and soil microbial community compared to other herbicide treatments. For grass weeds, propaquizafop provided effective control but had phytotoxic effect on the crop. In current scenario, where alachlor has been banned, application of either imazethapyr PRE/POST or imazethapyr PRE fb quizalofop-ethyl POST could be the potential herbicide options for control of weeds and obtaining higher yield of Egyptian clover.