Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative of forage yield in intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) at different levels of nitrogen

In order to investigate the yield and quality of forage in intercropping barley and fennel, an experiment was carried out as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Ramin University during growing season of 2012-2013. Four treatments levels of nitrogen including: (0, 70, 140 and 210 kgN.ha-1) have been taken into account as main plots and the planting ratios in five levels (pure culture barley and fennel), (75% barley + 25% fennel), (50% barley + 50% fennel), (25% barley + 75% fennel) as sub-plots. Results showed that the highest dry and fresh forage yield, respectively, 53380 and 8271 kgN.ha-1 were obtained from treatments pure cultures of fennel with level of 210 kgN.ha-1 and 50percent barley + 50percent fennel with level of 210 kgN.ha-1. Morphological traits included height of barley and fennel, number of branches for fennel were positive affected nitrogen 140 kg.The highest percent crude protein with 25.7 percent was obtained from pure cultures of fennel with 210 kgN.ha-1. Also, maximum crude protein yield (1528.2 kgN.ha-1) and land equivalent ratio (LER=1.16) were obtained from 50percent barley+50percent fennel with level of 210 kgN.ha-1 respectively. The authenticator results of aforesaid inspections enhance the forage yield and quality in treatment 50 percent barley+50percent fennel with level of 210 kg N.ha-1