Production and nutritional value of Medicago arborea in alley cropping in a rain-fed forage system in a semi-arid Mediterranean area

M. El Koudrim; A. Chriyaa; S. Hilali

Article Details

Production and nutritional value of Medicago arborea in alley cropping in a rain-fed forage system in a semi-arid Mediterranean area

Authors:

M. El Koudrim | A. Chriyaa | S. Hilali

Publisher:

INRA

Journal:

African and Mediterranean Agricultural Journal - Al Awamia Issue 128, pp.173-186

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2022

Document Language:

French

Document ID (Org No.):

2001843443

pISSN:

2658-9184

Keywords:

Abstract:

 In dry areas, forage production is limited due to frequent droughts. Attenuating the fodder deficit depends on the diversification of feed resources. Medicago arborea would be an alternative shrub. Also, the introduction of leguminous shrubs into the farming system could improve forage availability and soil fertility while reducing the risk of erosion. It would also reduce the pressure on grazing lands. The objectives of this study are the evaluation of seasonal productivity in terms of above-ground biomass, the determination of nutritional value, and the understanding of the exploitation modes of Medicago arborea.Two plots were planted at densities of 250 plants/ha (4m x 10m) to allow the establishment of intercropping forage crops. At 50 months age, the Medicago arborea plants reached an average height of 117 cm. The consumable biomass, by cutting at 30 cm from the ground, was 707 g DM / plant, representing 46% of the above-ground biomass. This biomass is relatively rich in protein (13.3%), energy (0.7 UF/kg DM) and minerals (9.2%). However, the significant shedding of leaves from the beginning of summer shows that exploitation of the foliage by animals should take place before this period.

Article Details

Production and nutritional value of Medicago arborea in alley cropping in a rain-fed forage system in a semi-arid Mediterranean area

Authors:

M. El Koudrim | A. Chriyaa | S. Hilali

Publisher:

INRA

Journal:

African and Mediterranean Agricultural Journal - Al Awamia Issue 128, pp.173-186

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2022

Document Language:

French

Document ID (Org No.):

2001843443

pISSN:

2658-9184

Medicago arborea

shrub

forage

arid zones

animal nutrition

arbuste

fourrage

zones arides

alimentation animale

Issues

Article Details

Authors: M. El Koudrim | A. Chriyaa | S. Hilali

Publisher: INRA

Journal: African and Mediterranean Agricultural Journal - Al Awamia Issue 128, pp.173-186

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2022

Document Language: French

Document ID (Org No.): 2001843443

pISSN: 2658-9184

Issues

Authors:

M. El Koudrim | A. Chriyaa | S. Hilali

Publisher:

INRA

Journal:

African and Mediterranean Agricultural Journal - Al Awamia Issue 128, pp.173-186

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2022

Document Language:

French

Document ID (Org No.):

2001843443

pISSN:

2658-9184