Forage Potential of Alfalfa with Oats and Barley in Intercropping System

Abstract

Production of cultivated pastures with high energy and protein levels remains a challenge during winter months for livestock. Field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of cropping systems using intercropping (alfalfa + oat and alfalfa + barley) and monocropping (alfalfa, oat and barley) on plant height, yield and quality characteristics. Furthermore, to study the competition experienced by legume and cereals when planted in a mixture. The field trial was carried out in a randomised complete block design with five treatments including sole oat, sole barley, sole alfalfa, alfalfa + oat intercropping and alfalfa + barley intercropping and three replicates. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the National University of Lesotho for two growing seasons (2015 and 2016). The results revealed that intercropping increased yields of forage crops in comparison to monocrops. Intercropping significantly increased protein levels and reduced fibre concentrations. In intercropping competition indices, land equivalent ratios indicated yield advantages for intercropping. Relative crowding coefficient and aggressivity values showed significant advantages of cereal over legume. So, the intercropping system was more productive than respective monocrops.