Effect of Manure Application on Forage Yield and Some Nutrients Consumption in Barley and Fenugreek Intercropped System

IntroductionNitrogen availability is an important limiting factor in low input farming systems which reduces the system productivity. Therefore, in organic farming systems, use of legume plants and composted fertilizers is crucial for balancing crop growth and nutrient demands. Biological N fixing by legume plants depends on plant morphology, density and competitive ability. In mixed intercropping, especially in arid region, crop mixed with legume plants is important in terms of cop quality and soil fertility.
Materials and MethodsTo determine the best combination of mixed intercropping of barley and fenugreek, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on randomized complete block design in Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan, at 2014-15 growing seasons. In this study, composted manure levels (zero, 12, 24 and 36 ton ha-1) were investigated in main plots, and mixed intercropping proportions (100% barley, 75% barley 25% fenugreek, 50 % barley 50% fenugreek, 25% barley% fenugreek, 100 fenugreek, 100 % barley.6 % fenugreek, 100 % barley.3 % fenugreek and 100% barley % fenugreek) in sub plots. Mixed intercropped plants were harvested at the physiological maturity stage of barley grains.
Results and DiscussionHighest forage dry matter was obtained from application of 36 ton manure/ha in proportion of 100% barley 50% fenugreek. Highest N content of mixed forage was observed from the rate of 36 ton manure/ha and 100% fenugreek. However, highest N yield of mixed forage was observed from 100% barley 50% fenugreek with application of 36 ton manure/ha. Highest forage P content was observed in 100 % barley and lowest P content in 100 % fenugreek. Effect of manure application on Zn content of mixed forage was fitted by a linear application. Therefore, by increasing the application of one kg of compost manure per hectare, an increase of 0.8 mg Zn content was observed.
Generally, fenugreek as a legume plant with N fixation ability had a higher content of N than barley. However, barley plants had higher levels of P and Fe content due to their stronger root system to absorb these nutrients from the soil. In all treatments, mixed forage of barley and fenugreek were supplement together in terms of nutrient value. But, highest quality and forage yield were obtained by application of 36 ton composted manure/ha and mixed intercropping of 100 % barley % fenugreek.