Evaluation of Yield and Some Qualitative Traits of Forage in Intercropping of Triticale with Annual Legumes

In order to evaluate some agronomic and qualitative traits of forage in intercropping of triticale with annual legumes, a field experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Iran, during growing season of 2016. Treatments were included solecropping of triticale, replacement intercropping of triticale with faba bean (Vicia faba L.), peas (Pisum sativum L.), vetch (Vicia villosa L.), and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.) in ratios 1:1. The results showed that the highest grain yield of triticale was obtained from solecropping and the lowest grain yield of triticale was achieved from intercropping of triticalewith vetch, respectively. Also, the highest forage yield of triticale was observed in solecropping. Cropping pattern had a significant effect on the nutrients absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, respectively. The amount absorption of nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the vetch were higher in intercropping of triticale compared to other legumes. The highest amount of phosphorus absorption was achieved from triticale in intercropping with pea. Intercropping of triticale with legumes Showed a decrease in the percentage of NDF and ADF, an increase in crude protein and ash content, as well as increased digestibility of dry matter of triticale, compared to monocropping. Therefore, considering the lower of NDF and ADF of triticale in intercropping patterns, it can be resulted that intercropping improved the forage quality by reducing NDF and ADF compared to monocropping. Among legumes, peas in intercropping with triticale had the highest percentage of crude protein and ash and the lowest percentage of NDF and ADF. However, seed yield of triticale did not indicate any significant differences at mono cropping with intercropping of triticalewith peas. Also, triticale had a high quality forage in intercropping with peas, therefore, it is superior treatment for sustainable agriculture production.