Fodder Production and Grassland Management

FODDERS FOR SYLVIPASTURE SYSTEM

Trees

• Subabul, Desmanthus, Albizia, Acacia, Hardwickia, Dalbergia sissoo

Grasses

• Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus, Chrysopogon fulvus, Dicanthium annulatum

Legumes

• Stylosanthes scabra (in arid and semi-arid regions), Stylosanthes hamata, Stylosanthes guianensis (in high rainfall areas), Macroptilium atropurpureum, Lablab etc.
• In sylvipastoral system the trees are planted at a spacing of 6x 5m, 4 x 3m or 3 x 2 m depending upon their rotation.
• The experiment conducted in vertisols of Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai during rainy season (North-east monsoon) revealed that subabul (16.2 t/ha) and Desmanthus (14.5 t/ha) recorded higher fodder production compared to Sesbania.
• Among the different forage crops grown under this system Subabul + sorghum combination recorded higher fodder production (20.5 t/ha).
• For the terrains and difficult areas, some of the fodder - trees that have shown promise and compatibility with the grass species in various parts of our country are given below.

Trees + Grasses

• Israli babool (Acacia tortilis) + Anjan (Cenchrus ciliaris, C. setigerus)
• Babool (Acacia arabica) + Dhaulu (Chrysopogon fulvus)
• Siris (Albizia lebbeck) + Sain (Sehima nervosum)
• Unjal (A. amara) + Dinanath (Pennisetum pedicellatum)