Yield and quality characteristics of maize-forage legume mixtures cultivated under different tillage systems

Abstract

Planted forage grown under an appropriate cropping system and tillage practice can help to improve yield potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different tillage practices on the growth, nutrient composition and yield characteristics of maize-forage legume mixtures. Different forage types were represented by sole maize (Zea mays L.), sole common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), sole lablab (Lablab purpureus), maize + common vetch, and maize + lablab intercrops. Forage types were cultivated under different tillage systems, viz., conventional tillage (CT), deep ploughing with a depth of 30 cm, and reduced tillage (RT), shallow ploughing with a depth of 10 cm. Forage samples were collected to examine the growth indices, chemical composition and yield components. Reduced tillage showed lower values of crop growth rate, leaf area, and leaf area index (11.68 g/m2/d, 3.30 m2, and 4.09 m2/m2, respectively) in sole forages than conventional tillage. Higher dry matter production (35.66%) in forage intercrops and higher values of crude protein content (20.16% DM) in sole forage legumes were observed in the conventional tillage practice than in the reduced t illage practice. Fiber concentrations of sole forages were greatest in reduced tillage and lowest in conventional tillage practices. Higher values of total dry matter and grain yield, harvest index and plant density in forage mixtures were obtained in the conventional tillage than in the reduced tillage. The study concluded that growing sole forages and mixtures under different tillage systems can influence yield and nutritional characteristics.