Forage production potential of different silvi-pastoral systems under arid conditions of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted at Jodhpur during 2005 and 2006 to assess the production potential of different silvi-pastoral systems involving two grasses, viz. buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) and sewan (Lasiurus sindicus Henr.) and fodder sem (Lablab purpureus L.) as legume in association with Colophospermum mopane Kirk ex Benth; and Hardwickia binata Roxb trees with and without N application. The results revealed that average plant height and survival percentage of C. mopane were higher than of H. binata. Further, the growth of C. mopane varied significantly due to cropping systems. Fodder production was influenced by the cropping system and was maximum in L. sindicus (4.54 and 2.07 t/ha green and dry yields) and lowest in C. ciliaris + L. purpureus system (3.04 and 1.48 t/ha green and dry yields). Mean data showed that dry-fodder yield was on par with that in L. sindicus, C. ciliaris and L. sindicus + L. purpureus systems but protein yield was higher in L. sindicus + L. purpureus and C. ciliaris + L. purpureus systems compared with that in sole strips of respective grasses. Application of 40 kg N/ha increased the dry-fodder yield by 16.4% and crude-protein yield by 22.3% over the control. Thus the productivity and quality of fodder can be increased by strip cropping of C. ciliaris or L. sindicus with L. purpureus in association with C. mopane or H. binata under silivi-pastoral system in arid zone.