Effect of Mixtures of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and Different Forage Grasses on Yield and Quality

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a valuable forage legume due to its adaptability and nutritional quality. However, optimizing its yield and quality often requires mixed planting with compatible cereals. This study aimed to identify the best mixture ratio of grass pea with awnless barley (Hordeum vulgare), triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) and oat (Avena sativa) to achieve high-yield, high-quality forage. The goal was to balance grass pea’s high protein content with the structural and yield-enhancing benefits of cereals, improving digestibility while reducing fiber content.

The experiment was conducted over two winter seasons using a randomized block design with three replications. Grass pea was intercropped with awnless barley, triticale and oat at different ratios. Parameters such as forage yields, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), digestibility and relative feed value (RFV) were measured. The data were collected annually and two-year averages were used. Statistical analysis assessed the effects of mixture ratios on yield and forage quality.

The study showed that increasing cereal ratios enhanced green forage and dry matter yields and crude protein content but also raised ADF and NDF levels, reducing digestibility. In contrast, higher grass pea ratios improved crude protein content and forage quality. Across both years, pure grass pea and the 60% grass pea + 40% awnless barley mixture had the highest crude protein contents, while pure cereals and the 20% grass pea + 80% barley mixture produced more dry matter. Overall, the 60% grass pea + 40% awnless barley mixture provided the best balance of yield and nutritional value for ruminant feed.