Cultivation Practices of Annual and Perennial Fodder Legumes

Definition of Annual and Perennial Fodder Legumes

Annual fodder legumes are plants that complete their life cycle during a single growing season or year. They are planted, grow, produce forage, and then perish in the same year. These legumes provide a quick but temporary supply of fodder and are frequently utilised to increase soil fertility because to their nitrogen-fixing capabilities. To ensure continuous production, they must be replanted each year.

Perennial fodder legumes are plants that live for several years and sprout after each harvest. They develop deep root systems, letting them to regrow year after year and provide a consistent source of feed across numerous seasons. They are usually more drought-tolerant and cost-effective because they do not need to be replanted every year.

Here’s a brief overview of the cultivation practices for the common annual and perennial fodder legumes you mentioned:

Annual Fodder Legumes:

1. Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum):

Sowing Time: Winter (October to November).
Soil: Grows well in well-drained, loamy soils.
Sowing Method: Line sowing or broadcasting.
Seed Rate: 20-25 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Requires frequent irrigation (5-7 days interval) as it is sensitive to water stress.
Fertilization: Apply 20-30 kg nitrogen and 60-70 kg phosphorus per hectare.
Harvesting: First cut 50-60 days after sowing; subsequent cuts every 30-40 days.
Special Considerations: It is a winter fodder crop and ideal for multiple cuts.

2. Joint Vetch (Aeschynomene americana):

Sowing Time: Summer or onset of the rainy season.
Soil: Grows well in waterlogged or moist soils.
Sowing Method: Broadcast or line sowing.
Seed Rate: 6-8 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Moderate water requirement; tolerant to waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (30-40 kg/ha) for good growth.
Harvesting: Harvest when the plant reaches 50% flowering stage, around 60-90 days after sowing.

3. Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea):

Sowing Time: Monsoon or rainy season.
Soil: Grows well in sandy loam to clay soils.
Sowing Method: Line sowing or broadcasting.
Seed Rate: 6-8 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Requires regular irrigation but can tolerate dry spells once established.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (40-50 kg/ha) to enhance growth.
Harvesting: First harvest 60-75 days after sowing.

Perennial Fodder Legumes:

1. Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum):

Planting Time: At the onset of the rainy season.
Soil: Adapted to a wide range of soils, but grows best in well-drained, fertile soils.
Sowing Method: Direct seeding or transplanting root slips.
Seed Rate: 5-10 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Drought-tolerant but responds well to moderate irrigation.
Fertilization: Apply 40-50 kg phosphorus per hectare.
Harvesting: First cut at 60-90 days after sowing; subsequent cuts every 50-60 days.

2. Centrocema (Centrosema pubescens):

Planting Time: Early monsoon season.
Soil: Grows in poor soils but prefers loamy, well-drained soils.
Sowing Method: Broadcast or row planting.
Seed Rate: 4-6 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Requires minimal irrigation; drought-tolerant.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (30-40 kg/ha) for good yield.
Harvesting: First cut after 90-100 days; subsequent cuts at 40-50 day intervals.

3. Lucerne (Alfalfa) (Medicago sativa):

Planting Time: Winter season (October-November).
Soil: Well-drained loamy soils are ideal.
Sowing Method: Line sowing with row spacing of 30 cm.
Seed Rate: 20-25 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Requires regular irrigation (every 10-15 days).
Fertilization: Apply nitrogen (20-30 kg) and phosphorus (50-60 kg) per hectare.
Harvesting: First cut 60-70 days after sowing; subsequent cuts every 30-40 days.
Special Considerations: It’s a long-term perennial fodder crop that can last up to 4-5 years.

4. Desmodium (Desmodium intortum):

Planting Time: Monsoon season.
Soil: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soils.
Sowing Method: Line sowing or broadcasting.
Seed Rate: 3-5 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Requires moderate irrigation; tolerates waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: Phosphorus application (40-50 kg/ha) is beneficial.
Harvesting: First cut after 80-100 days; subsequent cuts at 60-70 day intervals.

5. Stylosanthes (Stylosanthes spp.):

Planting Time: Monsoon season or early rainy season.
Soil: Grows well in sandy or light textured soils.
Sowing Method: Broadcasting or drilling.
Seed Rate: 5-7 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Drought-tolerant but benefits from moderate irrigation.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (40-50 kg/ha) for better growth.
Harvesting: Harvest 90-100 days after sowing; subsequent cuts every 60-70 days.

6. Forage Peanut (Arachis pintoi):

Planting Time: Best during the rainy season.
Soil: Grows well in well-drained, fertile soils.
Sowing Method: Direct seeding or planting rhizomes.
Seed Rate: 15-20 kg/ha for seeds or 1,000 kg/ha for rhizomes.
Irrigation: Requires frequent irrigation, especially during the establishment phase.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (30-40 kg/ha) for optimal growth.
Harvesting: First cut at 90-120 days; subsequent cuts every 45-60 days.

7. Glycine (Neonotonia wightii):

Planting Time: Rainy season.
Soil: Grows well in loamy soils with good fertility.
Sowing Method: Broadcast or line sowing.
Seed Rate: 4-6 kg/ha.
Irrigation: Drought-tolerant but responds to moderate irrigation.
Fertilization: Apply phosphorus (40-50 kg/ha).
Harvesting: First harvest at 90-120 days; subsequent cuts at 50-60 day intervals.

General Cultivation Tips for Fodder Legumes:

Weed Control: Regular weeding is necessary, especially during the early stages, to ensure proper growth and nutrient uptake.
Fertilization: Many legumes fix nitrogen in the soil but still benefit from phosphorus and potassium for optimal growth.
Irrigation: Most legumes have moderate water requirements; however, consistent irrigation is needed during dry spells.
Cutting: For perennial legumes, regular cutting (every 45-70 days depending on species) encourages regrowth and ensures high-quality fodder production.

By following these cultivation practices, farmers can ensure sustainable and nutritious fodder production for livestock throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which legumes are used as fodder?

Alfalfa is the most common legume used for forage but the clovers and many other species are part of the legume family.

What is leguminous fodder?

Winter fodder crops include berseem and lucerne. They are leguminous in nature and help to replace the soil’s lost nutrients. Berseem is an annual crop, whereas lucerne is a perennial leguminous fodder crop.

What is the difference between legumes and leguminous?

Legumes are a key part of many human diets, providing protein and fiber. Leguminous plants also serve as fodder for livestock.

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