Influence of intercropping and nutrient management practices on the fodder yield, proximate composition and feed quality of oats (Avena sativa) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)

A major limitation to livestock productivity is the insufficient and poor supply quality supply of green fodder, especially during the off season. To address this gap, the present study evaluated the influence of intercropping systems and nutrient management practices on the yield and nutritional quality of oats (Avena sativa) and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum). The underlying hypothesis was that intercropping and enriched nutrient strategies would enhance the total fodder availability and improve the feed value through better resource utilisation. The experiment followed a factorial randomised block design with four cropping patterns (oats, berseem, and oats: berseem in 2:1 and 1:2 row ratios) and four nutrient management treatments, replicated three times. Oats and berseem alone produced the highest green fodder yields, but the 2:1 intercropping pattern resulted in a total green fodder (37.6 t ha⁻¹) and dry matter yield (6.7 t ha⁻¹) comparable to that of oats alone, with superior forage quality. Among nutrient treatments, using 100% of the recommended fertiliser dose with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and two foliar sprays of seaweed extract (NM4) resulted in the highest green (38.35 t ha⁻¹) and dry fodder yields (6.41 t ha⁻¹) and improved the proximate composition. The interaction of the 2:1 intercropping system and NM4 resulted in the best performance, indicating a sustainable approach for enhancing the fodder supply and supporting resilient livestock production.