The Forage Yield and Silage Quality of Maize-Sorghum-Sainfoin Mixtures

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine forage yield and silage quality in maize/sorghum (M/S) with sainfoin (SA). The field trial was conducted in 2022 to study the effects of different binary sowing ratios (80%M-20%SA, 60%M-40%SA, 30%M-70%SA; 80%S-20%SA, 60%S-40%SA, 30%S-70%SA, 100%M, 100%SA, 100%S) in 3 replications. Prior to ensiling, the hay yield and fresh yield in the intercropping plots were measured. Parameters of dry matter ratio, pH, crude protein, ADF, NDF, mineral matters, and organic acid were defined in silages opened after fermentation. Before ensiling the highest yield was obtained from maize and yield decreased with an increase in sainfoin sowing density. After ensiling, all of the silage parameters were affected by mixing ratios. When the sainfoin ratio was decreased, dry matter, crude protein, and pH of mixture silages were dramatically reduced, but mineral matters were increased. The highest dry matter was determined in sole sainfoin silage. The best results of lactic acid and acetic acid contents were defined in 80%S-20%SA and 60%S-40%SA silage (except for sole treatments). Besides, it was seen that the addition of sorghum to sainfoin silage increases lactic acid content compared to maize. As a result, intercropping of sainfoin with maize and sorghum provided profitable feed production and improved silage quality. As a result, intercropping of sainfoin with maize and sorghum provided profitable feed production and improved silage quality.