Grass and Forage Science最新文献

{"title":"Salt Stress Effects on Forage Production and Turf Characteristics in Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.): Genetic Variability and Breeding Opportunities","authors":"Fatemeh Pirnajmedin,&nbsp;Mohammad Mahdi Majidi,&nbsp;Mozhde Tirgari,&nbsp;Mohamad Hosein Ehtemam","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Salinity and water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions pose significant challenges for turf-grass production and quality. The utilisation of salinity-tolerant turf grass genotypes is essential for enhancing their cultivation in both pasturelands and urban landscapes. Understanding the genetic variation of agro-morphological and turf quality characteristics, their associations, and the potential for simultaneous selection across forage and turf traits under salt stress conditions has not yet been thoroughly investigated in smooth bromegrass. In this study, 74 genotypes of smooth bromegrass (<i>Bromus inermis</i> L.) were assessed for forage, different agro-morphological, turf quality characteristics, and salt tolerance at five cuts in the field across 2 years of 2022 and 2023 under normal and salt stress conditions. Considerable genetic variation and estimate of heritability (<i>h</i>²_b) were observed for measured traits under both conditions in the studied panel. The range of <i>h</i>²_b was from 0.45 to 0.92 under normal and from 0.36 to 0.83 under salt stress conditions. Salt stress had an adverse effect on the forage yield (DFY), yield components and turf quality characteristics. On average, salt stress decreased the DFY, colour, coverage and density by about 50.78%, 6.73%, 32.20% and 34.54%, respectively. Under both conditions, the summer cut had the lowest values of forage production and turf quality characteristics compared to spring and autumn cuts, showing probable incomplete summer dormancy in the genotypes. Positive associations among crown diameter, plant height, leaf length, colour, coverage, density and stress tolerance index with forage yield indicated that simultaneous selection for both forage production and turf quality is feasible within this germplasm under both conditions. Based on the application of multivariate analysis, genotypes with possible utility as forage use or turf application were recognised, which can be used in future breeding programmes for developing synthetic varieties.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144716995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Phenotyping Accuracy for Selection of Urochloa spp. Tolerant Genotypes to Red Spider Mite (Oligonychus trichardti)","authors":"Paula Espitia-Buitrago,&nbsp;José Miguel Cotes Torres,&nbsp;Luis Miguel Hernández,&nbsp;Juan Andres Cardoso,&nbsp;Frank Chidawanyika,&nbsp;Rosa N. Jauregui","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The red spider mites are a major biotic limitation to productivity for <i>Brachiaria</i> (<i>Urochloa</i> spp.) grasses in tropical Eastern Africa, causing severe economic losses mainly in the dry seasons. However, due to the lack of reports of integrated pest management strategies, genetic resistance can play a crucial role in <i>Brachiaria</i>-based livestock systems, minimising the impact of this pest. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a methodology for accurately categorising resistance responses in <i>Urochloa</i> genotypes to identify potential sources of resistance to the Western Kenya red spider mite <i>Oligonychus trichardti</i> (Meyer 1974). Accordingly, 25 genotypes of <i>Urochloa</i> spp. were evaluated under the infestation of <i>O. trichardti</i>. Response variables included mite count and percentage of plant damage 14 days after infestation. Plant damage quantification involved visual assessment using a severity scale (AVR) and two high-throughput digital image analysis methodologies: one based on the threshold establishment in the RGB colour space (DTR) and another one based on image quantisation using three colour subsets (DQU). A linear regression of these methodologies demonstrated that the DTR methodology is more accurate and has higher concordance with the visual assessments, hence chosen for selecting tolerant genotypes. The genotypes evaluated did not exhibit an antibiotic effect; however, varying levels of tolerance were observed. Ultimately, six tolerant genotypes were identified. CIAT 16125 (cv. Piata) and CIAT 26646 (cv. La Libertad) exhibited the highest levels of tolerance, while CIAT 6426 and CIAT 664 were the most susceptible and are recommended as control candidates for future trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.70007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144705557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"No Variation in Critical Nitrogen Curves of Modern Maize Hybrids Differing in Maturity Group Grown Under Contrasting Environmental Conditions","authors":"Felix Schwarz,&nbsp;Manfred Kayser,&nbsp;Josephine Bukowiecki,&nbsp;Antje Herrmann,&nbsp;Johannes Isselstein,&nbsp;Henning Kage,&nbsp;Martin Komainda","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Silage maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) is a key crop in the European livestock and bioenergy sectors, and nitrogen (N) fertilisation is a critical management factor associated with N losses. With ongoing climatic changes, later-maturing hybrids can be grown in northern latitudes. Critical N (<i>N</i>_crit) dilution curves describe the relationship between plant biomass and minimum N concentration to achieve maximum growth, providing a benchmark for diagnosing N status. Therefore, it is essential to test if adapted <i>N</i>_crit dilution curves are needed in order to improve N fertilisation management. This study aimed to (1) analyse potential differences in <i>N</i>_crit curves of contrasting hybrids and of varying regional conditions and (2) calculate the N nutrition index (NNI). Data collection was conducted in a 2-year field experiment under rainfed conditions in three regions of Germany, evaluating three maize hybrids differing in maturity group at six mineral N input levels. Aboveground forage mass and plant N concentration were determined at five to six sampling dates during the crop cycle. Forage mass increased with N input and differed in response to regional conditions caused by drought conditions during the second year, but not in response to hybrids. <i>N</i>_crit function parameters and NNI did not differ amongst hybrids and regions, making <i>N</i>_crit and NNI a tool to improve N efficiency, regardless of the maturity group used, even as changing patterns emerge due to climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.70006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Forage Efficiency: Insights From Cultivar, Nitrogen and Cutting Strategies in Pearl Millet","authors":"Gangadhar Nanda,&nbsp;S. K. Jha,&nbsp;R. K. Agrawal,&nbsp;Jeetendra Kumar Soni,&nbsp;Subhash Chand,&nbsp;V. K. Yadav,&nbsp;P. N. Dwivedi","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>India's growing livestock sector faces a significant green and dry fodder deficit, making it essential to identify high-yielding, nutrient-rich feed sources. Pearl millet (<i>Pennisetum glaucum</i> L.), with its short growth cycle, high palatability and nutritional benefits, is a key fodder crop that can help bridge this gap. To determine the optimal practices for maximising yield, quality and sustainability, the study was conducted during the <i>Kharif</i> seasons of 2021 and 2022 in Pusa (Bihar) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh), assessing four forage pearl millet cultivars, two nitrogen levels and two cutting schedules. Results highlighted that the cultivar BAIF bajra-1 significantly outperformed others, producing higher green forage yield (GFY), dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein yield (CPY) and nutrient uptake (N, P, K). Furthermore, BAIF bajra-1 showed superior economic performance with higher net returns, benefit–cost ratios, energy indices and eco-efficiency. However, at Pusa, the performance of BAIF bajra-1 was on par with Moti bajra and TSFB 15-8. Applying nitrogen at 120 kg ha⁻¹ maximised yields, nutrient uptake and profitability, although it slightly reduced eco-efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency, indicating a balance between productivity and sustainability. Between the two- and three-cut schedules, no major differences were observed in GFY, DMY or CPY, but the two-cut schedule proved more profitable and energy-efficient. Specifically, a two-cut schedule with the first cut at 60 days after sowing and the second at 50% flowering emerged as the optimal strategy. The correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among GFY, DMY and CPY (0.81–0.93) and their linkage with energy efficiencies like energy output (Eo) and net energy (En). Negative correlation of specific-energy (Es) with GFY (−0.56) and DMY (−0.48) was noted. Overall, BAIF bajra-1, coupled with 120 kg N ha⁻¹ and a two-cut schedule, emerged as an optimal strategy, addressing fodder demands with a sustainable, high-quality, enhanced energy efficiency and profitable forage solution for farmers. However, at Pusa, Moti bajra and TSFB 15-8 can be viable substitutes for BAIF bajra-1 under similar management practices.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144606672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Screening of and Mechanistic Insights Into the Enteric Methane Mitigation Potential of European Native and Non-Native Forage Trees, Shrubs, and Herbs Using In Vitro Batch Culture","authors":"J. Van Mullem,&nbsp;J. Jeyanathan,&nbsp;N. Peiren,&nbsp;P. Vermeir,&nbsp;J. Valckx,&nbsp;W. Govaerts,&nbsp;J. Barbry,&nbsp;K. Verheyen,&nbsp;V. Fievez","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70001","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Enteric methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminant livestock must be mitigated to reduce their climate impact. Trees, shrubs, and herbs have gained attention for their nutritional value, climate resilience, and CH₄ reduction potential. This in vitro study evaluated 45 forage species harvested in Flanders, Belgium (July 2022), for their effects on enteric CH₄ production (μmol/g DM), total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (μmol/g DM), and relative CH₄ production (CH₄:total VFA, mol/mol). Leaf traits from the TRY database were included. Twelve promising species were selected for a second experiment (July 2023) using fresh and ensiled substrate. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to assess the activity of tannins in fresh substrates. Different headspace conditions (100% CO₂ vs. 50% CO₂/50% H₂) were used to assess the impact on methanogens. Reduced CH₄ production in the first experiment was mainly linked to reduced fermentability, and leaf traits are more closely related to fermentability than direct CH₄ mitigation. <i>Alnus glutinosa</i>, <i>Castanea sativa</i>, <i>Catalpa bignonioides</i>, <i>Populus nigra</i>, and <i>Hedera helix</i> emerged as the most effective CH₄ mitigators. Ensiling reduced the concentration of phenolic compounds. PEG assays confirmed the role of tannins in some species; however, PEG was ineffective against the hydrolysable tannins in <i>C. sativa</i>. <i>C. sativa</i>, <i>A. glutinosa</i>, <i>H. helix</i>, and <i>C. bignonioides</i> exhibited anti-methanogenic effects, likely due to plant secondary metabolites, some of which were only indirectly evaluated (tannins and total phenolic compounds). Further phytochemical and microbiological analyses, along with in vivo trials, are needed to confirm these forages' practical application in livestock diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.70001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144598259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Chemical Additives on Maize Silage Fermentation and Aerobic Stability and on Preference and Short-Term Intake by Goats","authors":"Dave Brüning,&nbsp;Katrin Gerlach,&nbsp;Kirsten Weiß,&nbsp;Karl-Heinz Südekum","doi":"10.1111/gfs.12730","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12730","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study determined the effects of a mixture of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (SBPS; 2 L/t fresh matter (FM)) and a formic acid-based mixture (FASF; 3 L/t FM) on maize silage fermentation, aerobic stability, and short-term feed intake by goats. Whole-crop maize harvested at 280 g/kg dry matter (DM) was untreated (CON) or treated with SBPS or FASF and ensiled in 120-L plastic silos for up to 356 days. At opening, FASF had the highest DM losses (7.4%) and ethanol concentrations (36.6 g/kg DM), whereas CON had the highest and SBPS the lowest contents of ethyl lactate (399 vs. 199 mg/kg DM) and ethyl acetate (499 vs. 59 mg/kg DM). After silo opening, silages were exposed to air for 6 days. Aerobic stability was 34 h longer in SBPS (152 h) than FASF (118 h) and substantially longer than in CON (65 h). The onset of aerobic deterioration was earlier in CON, evidenced by a strong increase in silage temperature (&gt; 30°C) and pH &gt; 5. When the silages were exposed to air for 6 days, preference expressed as DM intake/3 h was lowest in CON (223 g), followed by FASF (423 g) and SBPS (692 g). The decline in CON was caused by deteriorating sensory properties. The application of the SBPS mixture to maize harvested at lower DM concentrations than usual (&lt; 30%) prevented undesirable DM losses. The addition suppressed yeasts and degradation processes and improved aerobic stability for up to 6 days. The SBPS-treated silages remained palatable even after aerobic exposure and were more preferred.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.12730","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Grassland Yield Gaps and Their Impact on the Contribution to Food Security of Walloon Dairy Farms","authors":"Caroline Battheu-Noirfalise,&nbsp;Benoit Wyzen,&nbsp;Yves Beckers,&nbsp;Eric Froidmont,&nbsp;Didier Stilmant,&nbsp;Alexandre Mertens","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70003","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Current livestock systems are often criticised for their competition with food and land, but they are rarely compared to optimised livestock systems in this matter. The net productivity indicator offers insights into potential improvements. We calibrated a process-based grass growth model (LINGRA-N-Plus) for Walloon grasslands and coupled its output with an animal production model to estimate the potential net productivity achievable on commercial dairy farms in two grassland regions of Wallonia. Three mowing regimes (4C, 5C, and G), three nitrogen (N) fertilisation rates (90N, 225N, and 360N), and two energy corrections (sugar beet pulp or wheat) were tested for the years 2016–2020. Our results showed that potential net productivity ranged from 49% (4C.4C and 90N, grass-only) to 166% (5C.G and 360N, grass + sugar beet pulp) of the current farm sample productivity (267 ± 64 kg HDP ha⁻¹). Notably, similar performance (108% for 5C.G at 225N with sugar beet pulp) could be achieved by commercial farms with lower fertilisation rates than they currently use (285 ± 93 kg N), indicating room for improvement in N use. The variability in potential net productivity was mainly driven by mowing regime and fertilisation rate rather than soil and climate, emphasising management improvements. This suggests the possibility of setting regional net productivity targets. The developed model can guide discussions with farmers on enhancing their contribution to food security.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144551267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional Plant Species Traits That Shape Canopy Light Interception and Agronomic Performance of Perennial Forage Grasses Cultivated in Monoculture and Association","authors":"Alex Marciano dos Santos Silva,&nbsp;Sila Carneiro da Silva,&nbsp;Emanoella Karol Saraiva Otaviano,&nbsp;Caio Macret Gomes,&nbsp;Alexandre Fameli Mammana,&nbsp;Larissa Fernanda Garcia Carvalho,&nbsp;André Fischer Sbrissia,&nbsp;Ela Frak,&nbsp;Gaëtan Louarn","doi":"10.1111/gfs.12716","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12716","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Functional traits of plants control a series of agronomic and ecological responses that are related to plant productivity. The botanical proportion and productive performance of forage grass species associations are underpinned by shifts in plant traits and associated resource (especially light) partitioning. However, most studies involving associations of forage species are to pastures in temperate climates. Studies in tropical conditions and environments are practically nonexistent. Therefore, in an experimental study, three perennial tropical forage grass species, <i>Andropogon gayanus</i> cv. Planaltina (andropogon grass), <i>Panicum maximum</i> cv. Massai (massai grass) and <i>Brachiaria brizantha</i> cv. BRS Piatã (piata grass), were cultivated in monoculture and in association (the three species in equal proportions based on the number of viable seeds). Among the monocultures, piata grass presented the greatest herbage mass, but in the association, massai grass did. The performance of the association was mainly shaped by competition for light, with massai grass present in greater proportion and showing greater productive performance than the remaining grass species. Foliage angle, leaf elongation rate per tiller, number of leaves per tiller and canopy leaf area index are functional traits that shape the dynamics of the competition for light, botanical proportion and productive performance of grass species in the association. This study provides new insights into the functional traits that control the agronomic and ecological responses that shape competition for light in a tropical perennial grass mixture and that should be considered when selecting grass species for new associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.12716","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144520056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response of Perennial Ryegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass Mixture to Mulching Mower Under Different Nitrogen Fertilisation Levels","authors":"Alberto Novello,&nbsp;Cristina Pornaro,&nbsp;Gerald M. Henry,&nbsp;Stefano Macolino","doi":"10.1111/gfs.70002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.70002","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Mowing is a fundamental turfgrass management practice where grass clippings are either removed or returned to the canopy. The process of clipping return is referred to as mulching, which can create several advantages for low-maintenance/sustainable turfgrass systems. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of mulching on a perennial ryegrass (<i>Lolium perenne</i> L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (<i>Poa pratensis</i> L.) turfgrass mixture under four different nitrogen fertility rates (0, 80, 120, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). Turfgrass quality and colour, as well as NDVI and percent green turfgrass cover, were evaluated bi-weekly. Turfgrass canopy height was measured before and after mowing in order to determine clipping dry matter (DM) production and clipping nitrogen (N) content. Mulching had a positive effect on turfgrass visual quality and colour, NDVI, and percent green turfgrass cover. The impact of mulching was more noticeable during reduced growth periods (summer and winter). The largest differences occurred in July 2023, when turfgrass visual quality for mulching and non-mulching was 7 and 4.5, respectively. In January 2023, turfgrass colour, NDVI, and percent turfgrass cover was 7.1 and 6.1, 0.8 and 0.72, and 60% and 50% for mulching and non-mulching, respectively. The N content observed within turfgrass clippings from mulched plots was enhanced by the increase of N fertilisation rates. The difference between mulched and non-mulched plots receiving 200 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ was 2.5 kg N m⁻², while the difference between non-fertilised mulched and non-mulched plots was 2.2 kg N m⁻². Mulching helps maintain turfgrass quality year-round, especially in winter, with greater benefits under low nitrogen input. It supports reduced fertilisation without affecting performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gfs.70002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144515077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perennial Grass-Legume Integration: A Sustainable Approach to Fodder Production","authors":"Neetu Sharma,&nbsp;Faraaz Farooq,&nbsp;Hritik Srivastava,&nbsp;Himanshu Saini,&nbsp;Deepak Nanda,&nbsp;Swati Mehta,&nbsp;Joy Samuel MeCarty,&nbsp;Meenakshi Attri,&nbsp;Naveen Kumar","doi":"10.1111/gfs.12727","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12727","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and current status of fodder production in India. A comprehensive review of literature and reports from government and non-government organisations has been conducted to assess fodder availability and sustainability strategies. Livestock farming is a critical component of India's rural economy, contributing 6% to GDP and 25% to agricultural GDP. However, a severe shortage of quality fodder, particularly during lean periods typically the summer (April–June) and late winter (December–January) months when forage growth is minimal due to low rainfall and harsh climatic conditions, persists due to a 63.5% green fodder deficit and declining pasturelands. Perennial forage grasses such as <i>Pennisetum glaucum × Pennisetum purpureum</i> (Napier Bajra Hybrid), <i>Panicum maximum</i> (Guinea Grass), <i>Brachiaria mutica</i> (Para Grass), and <i>Cenchrus ciliaris</i> (Buffel Grass) offer a viable solution by providing high biomass yield, superior nutritional value, and adaptability across diverse agro-climatic zones. Their deep-rooted systems enhance soil health, prevent erosion, and improve water retention, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability. Integrating legumes like <i>Desmanthus virgatus</i> (Stylo), <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> (Subabul), <i>Trifolium alexandrinum</i> (Berseem), <i>Medicago sativa</i> (Lucerne), and <i>Sesbania</i> spp. (Sesbania) with perennial grasses further boosts forage yield, crude protein content, and digestibility whilst maintaining soil fertility. Silvo-pastoral systems enhance forage availability by improving soil moisture and organic carbon levels. Despite these advantages, adoption remains constrained by owing to limited awareness, inadequate seed availability, and suboptimal agronomic practises. Strengthening research, extension services and financial incentives is essential for integrating perennial fodder systems in livestock farming. A strategic approach focused on perennial grass-legume combinations can ensure year-round fodder availability, reduce dependency on costly concentrates, and enhance livestock productivity. Sustainable fodder production will not only improve farmers economic returns but also strengthen India's dairy and meat sectors, ensuring greater resilience in livestock farming.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":12767,"journal":{"name":"Grass and Forage Science","volume":"80 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144492560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}