Evaluation of phosphorous biofertilizer and chemical phosphorous influence on fodder quality of corn (Zea mays L.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativa L.) intercropping

Intercropping is considered as a method for increasing yield per unit and stability. In order to evaluate the effects of phosphorous biofertilizer and chemical phosphorous on fodder quality of corn (Zea mays L.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativa L.) intercropping, two field experiments were conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications at two places simultaneously in Kerman and Bardsir during growing season of 2009-2010. The investigated factors included four levels of phosphorous fertilizer (100 g.ha-1 of phosphorous biofertilizer, 150 kg.ha-1 of chemical fertilizer, %50 phosphorous biofertilizer+%50 chemical phosphorous and control) and five replacement intercropping patterns consist of sole crop of corn and grass pea, various proportions of corn and grass pea (75:25, 50:50 and 25:75). The result showed that the location effect on dry matter digestibility, crude protein, ash percentage, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was significant but location effect on water soluble carbohydrate was not significant. Moreover, dry matter digestibility, crude protein, ash percentage, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and water soluble carbohydrate influenced by various proportions of intercropping, extremely. Also, phosphorous applying on all of mentioned traits was significant, unless ash percentage. Dry matter digestibility, water soluble carbohydrate and crude protein of fodder influenced by various proportions of intercropping×phosphorous fertilizer interaction. Various proportions of corn and grass pea intercropping had higher fodder quality than sole cop of them; because, they had higher values of dry Matter digestibility, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrate and ash Percentage and lower values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Dabble application of phosphorous biofertilizer and chemical phosphorous promote fodder quality due to increase solubility of insoluble phosphorous, phosphorous uptake, digestibility and crude protein of related intercropping proportions and phosphorous level. Also, results showed that intercropping had a positive effect on qualitative traits of corn and grass pee fodder.