INTERNSHIP REPOR 17-03-2016

INTERNSHIP REPORT

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH CENTER (NARC) ISLAMABAD

RANGE LAND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (RRI)

MIXING OF RYE GRASS (Lolium multiflorum) WITH ANNUAL SOWN LEGUME

COMMON VETCH (Vicia sativa. L) FOR MAXIMIZING FRESH AND DRY

MATTER YEILD.

SUBMITTED BY

ZOHAIB HASAN

2012-AG-3604

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND RANGEMANAGEMENTFACULTY OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD

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DEDICATION

I dedicated this valuable work to my worthy

PARENTS

And

GRANDPARENTS

I hope this achievement will complete their dreams that they had for me all those many years ago when they choose to give me the best

education. I also dedicated it to my supervisor and dearest and valuable friends for their love and encouragement that inspired me to accomplish

this task.

CERTIFICATE

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This is certified that Mr. Zohaib Hasan, Reg. No 2012-ag-3604 student of BSc (Hons)

Agriculture Department of Forestry and Range management, University of Agriculture

Faisalabad has completed his internship on “Mixing of Rye grass (Lolium multiflorium) with

annual sown legume Common vetch (Vicia sativa. L) for maximizing fresh and dry matter

yield” at Range land Research Institute (RRI), National Agriculture Research Center

Islamabad from 12th of February to 5th April2016, under my supervision and completed all the

experiments necessary at this level.

Director Rangeland Research Institute (RRI) ______________________

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad QamarDirector of, RRI, NARC, Islamabad

Supervisor of Internship at NARC, Islamabad ____________________

Mr. Raheel Babar RaoSSO, NARC,Islamabad

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All worships and praise are only for the Lord of creation who Himself invited the

mankind, in particular the believers, to ponder over the infinite cosmos.

A bundle of thanks goes to Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Qamar Director of RRI, NARC

Islamabad for extending the research facilities of the department to achieve this goal.

Then I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Sir, Raheel Babar Rao and

senior scientific staff of (RRI) for the continuous support for research during internship, for

his patience, motivation, enthusiasm and immense knowledge.

I am also grateful for proper regulation enthusiasm for uphill struggle by my fellows

Armaghan Ijaz and Hammad Fiaz their inspiration guided me to reach this level.

I feel great pleasure and honor in expressing my heartiest thanks to them for their

friendly behavior and time to help during field work at last but not least I pay my heartiest

thanks to my parents for their kindness and financial support during this tenure. They always

sacrifice themselves for me so that I devote myself to studies and encourage me whenever I

was demoralized during my academic career. No words can rely express the feelings I have

for my beloved parents and grandparents.

This achievement was simply impossible without them

ZOHAIB HASAN

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work presented in this report is my own effort, except where

otherwise acknowledged and that the report is my own composition. No part of this project

report has been previously presented for any other degree.

Dated: _____________________

Zohaib Hasan

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ABSTRACT

My practical work was conducted at nursery area of RRI, NARC Islamabad. Different

samples were collected from nursery area of RRI, NARC Islamabad. These samples were

analyzed in RRI labs. Exact biomass of Rye grass (Lolium multiflorium) and Common

Vetch (Vicia sativa. L) Plants was determined on fresh and dry matter basis. As I collected

the samples from model pasture area of RRI and weight these samples on balance machine in

RRI lab to determine the fresh biomass and then after drying these samples I also determine

the dry biomass to estimate the per hectare yield. I also learned different nursery practices

regarding pruning, weeding, Nursery bed preparation, shifting of tubed plants from green

house to open nursery beds, arrangement of nursery tubes in beds and prepared MPTS

cuttings.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Internship programme.1.2 National Agriculture Research Center.1.3 Range Research Institute (RRI).1.4 Introduction to Rye (Lolium multiflorium) grass and Common Vetch

(Vicia sativa. L).1.4.1 Botanical description.1.4.2 Uses.1.4.3 Aims and objectives.

2. Nursery practices

2.1 Shifting of plants.2.2 Preparation of Nursery beds.2.3 Arrange Nursery tubes in beds for sowing/cuttings.2.4 Weeding in experimental plot.2.5 Preparation of cuttings.2.6 Placement of MPTS cuttings.

3. Review of literature4. Material and methods

4.1 Sample collection4.2 Laboratory analysis

5. Results6. References

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INTRODUCTION TO NARC

1.1 Internship programme

Internship is a programme during which a student gains practical experience related to

his specified field of study and is necessary to accomplish the degree. University of

Agriculture Faisalabad provides opportunity of internship at different government and private

institutes and organizations during the last semester of B.S.C (HONS) agriculture. Internship

programme not only helps the student to select specific subject of related field. And is helpful

in gaining practical skills and techniques which are beneficial for his in future life. Owing to

these reasons internship is considered as an integral part of the degree. I was sent to the

National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) Islamabad (Range Land Research Institute

(RRI)) as an internee for 10 weeks starting from 12 th of February 2016 and ending at 5th of

April 2016. During internship period these I learned a lot. I work in my allotted research area

which was already sown (experimental trail). Andalso had different lectures/discussion on

our subject and research which was delivered by our allotted supervisor about

practical/theory which will beremain beneficial for me in my career.

1.2 National Agriculture Research Center

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad established in 1984, is the

largest research Centre of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). NARC, with a

total land area of approximately 1400 acres, is located near Rawal Lake, six kilometers south-

east of Islamabad. Physical facilities in term of experimental fields, laboratories, green

houses, gene bank, library/ documentation, auditorium, machinery & lab equipment repair

workshops, stores, hostels, cafeteria, audio visual studios, are also available at NARC.

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The adaptation of technologies available from the international research system is also

managed by NARC, in collaboration with the provincial research and extension institutions.

In particular, research requiring sophisticated instruments like electron microscopes,

ultracentrifuges, and elaborate analytical and quality testing facilities is undertaken at NARC,

supported by highly qualified and trained manpower.

The location of NARC at Islamabad facilitated liaison with international and national

scientists. NARC governance and planning functions were carried out through a Board of

Management; a Research Management Committee (RMC) and Technical Working Group

(TWG).

1.2.1 Services

Conservation, distribution and viability tests of germplasm.

Provide materials for the development of new varieties.

Provide facilities to develop human resource of M.Sc., M.Phil. And Ph.D.

Data analysis.

Grain Quality Testing laboratory

1.2.2 Objectives

To acquire, test and disseminate germplasm of various food grains, vegetables, and

fruit crops and to act as repository of seed and clonally materials for food grains and

horticultural crops.

To develop appropriate agricultural machines and provide necessary technical support

for mechanized farming.

To establish a reference to conduct high level basic/applied research in crops, natural

resources, livestock, and agricultural production resources that require highly

sophisticated equipment, trained manpower and can best be carried out at one place.

Library and agricultural research information and documentation systems.

To build in-service and pre-service manpower training facilities for the national

agricultural research system.

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1.2.3 Organizational Structure

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) is headed by a Director General, Dr.

Iftikhar Ahmad who is helped by institutional heads. The research activities are organized

into different disciplines as mentioned below.

1.2.4 Facilities provided by NARC

Research Labs National Gene Bank National Library of Agricultural Sciences National Herbarium Workshops Farm Area Hostels

Total Area: 565 ha

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1.3 RANGELAND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (RRI)

Range Research Institute (RRI) was established in the year 1991 by merging 7 projects

related to Range Management and Forestry at NARC. The main objectives of this are to

Establish a nucleus range research capability at National Agricultural Research

centre (NARC) with operational Range Research Stations located in major range

ecological zones.

Generate knowledge and technologies for sustainable development and

management of diverse rangelands of the country.

Improve fragile water shed by scientific rangeland management, livestock grazing

and agro forestry systems.

Develop management strategies for biodiversity conservation and environmental

protections. Document plant wealth of the country and prepare national action

programmed combating desertification

1.3.1 Ongoing Research Activities

Agro-forestry Program

Agro forestry is an integrated land use system whereby woody perennials (trees and

shrubs) are raised in association with cereal/annual crops and livestock serve an integral

component of this system. All the three main components of this land use benefit from the

mutual ecological and biological interactions.

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Agro forestry practices are the pragmatic measures that not only give rise to

ecologically sound land use practices but prove to be economically profitable for farming

community with this rationale in view.

PARC initially started Agro forestry Program with following objectives.

To maximize farmers income on sustainable basis through promotion of symbiotic

relationship among woody perennials, annual crops and livestock simultaneously over

the same unit of land.

Protecting farmlands against various erosive factors and climatic vagaries and

increasing the production of multiple farm products such as forage, fuel wood, timber,

cereals and livestock.

To conduct research studies on various agro forestry systems involving multipurpose

tree species (MPTS) suited to Pothwar plateau and develop and promote nursery

techniques for these MPTS.

Range & Dry Land Rehabilitation Programme

Range and Dry Land in arid and semi-arid areas are characterized bylimited feed

resource and the production of green fodder is rare. Particularly during the hot and dry season

when the animals are strongly complemented by food concentrate to face these created

period. The demand of pasture requirement is increasing with the increase of livestock in the

country. Pakistan is rich in small ruminant resource with a population of over 40 million goat

and 30 million sheep ranking third in Asia. Small ruminant are major source of livelihood for

large no of farmers in the arid areas. The desert are the result of countries of overuse and

misuse such as overgrazing over cutting excessive loping, trampling, uprooting , burning and

litter/fuel collection. The productivity of these range land has therefore been adversely

affected and these are presently producing only 10 to 50 percent of their potential.

Furthermore, almost all range lands are subject to wind and water erosion. Range Research

Institute started a Program with following objection.

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Accession acquisition, collection and conservation of different exotic germ plasma for

dry area of Pakistan.

Survival and adaptation of different exotic dry land species in different ecologies of

Pakistan.

Find and compare forage yield of different exotic species in different ecological zone

of Pakistan.

To evaluate adopted exotic species in term of different proximate analysis parameter

CP, ADF, NDF, Ash and ether extract.

Formulation of balance ratio with different grains oilseed cakes and fodder.

Feeding digestion trial of exotic species in small ruminant.

Salient Achievement’s

Forage and Pasture Research units at the national level at NARC, Islamabad and at

provincial levels at Thal (Punjab), Dhabeji (Sindh), Mustang (Baluchistan), PFI

(NWFP) and Muzaffarabad (AJ&K) have been established.

Dry afforestation techniques have been developed and suitable tree species identified

for different ecological zones

Promising forage grasses and legumes have been selected for different ecological

regions of Pakistan. Moreover, production technology including sowing methods and

time, improved cultural and management practices for the promising grasses and

legumes have also been standardized

Simulated grazing studies resulted in the determination of cutting frequency and

intensity of the selected forages.

Range improvement practices were demonstrated in Pothowar, Thal, Tharparkar and

Mustang (Baluchistan) area.

Techniques for rehabilitation of the vast range areas through range reseeding have

been developed. Reseeding of degraded rangelands with improved varieties of forage

grasses and legumes has resulted in increased forage and livestock production

Various range management and pasture establishment techniques suitable for

subtropical dry areas of Pothwar have been developed after integrated range resources

surveys and determining grazing capacity.

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To reclaim vast areas of the Thal desert, Shelterbelt technology has been developed

and successfully implemented. Vast desert area has been reclaimed from the hazards

of wind erosion and shifting sand dunes. Keeping in view the impact of this

technology, this project was awarded with the UNEP award for environmental

protection.

A ranching model has been developed for the Pothwar area. By adopting this model,

production of rangelands can be improved 3-4 times. This model can also be

replicated in other parts of the country with certain modifications depending upon

socio-economic and environmental conditions.

To ensure supply of planting material for farmers, private individuals, NGOs

government agencies and research trials, a high-tech plant nursery has been developed

at NARC, Planting stock of various multipurpose tree species are raised from local

and exotic seed sources.

SALT (Sloping Agricultural Land Technology) has been tested and modified

according to the climatic and physiographic conditions of the sub-mountainous areas

of Himalayan range in the country. This technology which requires no or very little

external inputs can play important role in sustainable use of sloping agricultural lands.

To document the economically important plant species of the Cholistan desert and

create awareness among the students, general public, botanists and pharmaceuticals

for the long term preservation and exploitation on sustainable basis, available plant

species have been collected and Ethno-botanical description compiled.

National Program of Action to Combat Desertification in Pakistan has been developed

and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural

Development.

Rangeland Improvement by Re-vegetation of suitable species and Development of

Model Pasture.

Following research based technologies developed, tested and evaluated by this\

Institute has been handed over to the Technology Transfer Institute, NARC for onward

transmission to the end users:-

Introduction and development of shelter belts for deserts.

Ranching model for Pothwar tract.

Establishment of high-tech and low-cost nurseries.

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1.4 Introduction to Rye Grass (Lolium multiflorium) and Common Vetch (Vicia sativa.

L)

1.4.1 Botanical Description

Vetch (Vicia sativa. L)

Vicia sativa known as common vetch, garden vetch, tare or simply “the vetch”, is a

nitrogen fixing leguminous plant in the family Fabaceae. Although considered a weed when

found growing in a cultivated grain field. This hardy plant often grown as green manure or

livestock fodder.

There are at least four subspecies generally accepted:

Vicia sativa ssp. Cordata (Hoppe) Asch. & Graebn.

Vicia sativa ssp. nigra (L.) Ehrh.-Narrow leaved vetch

Vicia sativa ssp. sativa (= var. linearis, ssp. notata)

Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Thuill.) Arcang. (sometimes included in ssp. nigra)

Description

Vicia sativa is a sprawling annual herb, with hollow four sided hairless to sparsely

hairy stems which can reach two meters in maximum length. The leaves are stipulate,

alternate and compound, each made up of 3 to 8 opposite pairs of linear, lance-shaped,

oblong or wedge shaped, niddle tipped leaflets up to 3.5 centimeter long. Each compound

leaf ends in a branched tendril.

The pea like flowers occur in the leaf axils, solitary or in pairs. The flower corolla is 1

to 3 centimeters in length and bright pink-purple in color, more rarely whitish or yellow. The

flowers are mostly visited by bumblebees.

The fruit is a legume pod up to 6 or 7 centimeters long, which is hairy when new,

smooth later, then brown or black when ripe. It contains 4-12 seeds.

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Cultivation

Sown for fodder the seed is sown densely up to 250 kilograms per hectare. However,

when grown for seed, less seed should be used otherwise the crop will be too thick, reducing

flower and seed production. When meant for seed, sowing is done early in the

planting season for good returns; but, when for green food, any time in spring is suitable.

Sometimes, a full crop can be obtained even when sown as late as summer, though sowing so

late is not recommended.

After the seed is sown and the land carefully harrowed, a light roller ought to be

drawn across, to smooth the surface and permit the scythe to work without interruption. Also,

the field should be watched for several days to prevent pigeon which are remarkably fond

oftares – from devouring much of the sown seed.

Horses thrive very well on Common Vetch, even better than on clover and rye grass;

the same applies to fattening cattle which feed faster on vetch than on most grasses or other

edible plants. Danger often arises from livestock eating too much vetch, especially when

podded colics and other stomach disorders are apt to be produced by the excessive loads

devoured.

Cereal grains can be sown with vetch so it can use their stronger stems for support,

attaching via tendrils. When grown with oats or other grasses, the vetch can grow upright

otherwise its weak stems may sprawl along the ground. Several cultivars are available for

agricultural use and as for some other legume crops, rhizobia can be added to the seed.

Pests that attack this crop include the powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe pisi, the pea

aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, and the corn earworm (Heliothis zea), the fall armyworm

(Spodoptera frugiperda), and spider mites of genus Tetranychus.

During the early 20th century, a mutant of the common vetch arose with lens-shaped

seeds resembling those of the lentil, leading to vetch invasions of lentil fields. D.G.Rowlands

showed in 1959 that this was due to a single recessive mutation. The transition from

traditional winnowing to mechanized farming practices largely solved this problem.

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Rye Grass (Lolium multiflorium)

Lolium is a genus of tufted grasses in the bluegrass subfamily of grass family. It is

often called ryegrass but this term is sometimes used to refer to grasses in other genera.

They are characterized by bunch-like growth habits. Lolium is native to Europe, Asia

and northern Africa, as well as being cultivated and naturalized in Australia, the Americans

and various oceanic islands and are closely related to the fescues.

Ryegrass should not be confused with rye, which is a grain crop.

Species

Lolium arundianceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. Eurasia + North Africa from Portugal +

Canary Islands to Himalayas + Xinjiang naturalized in East Asia, Australia, North +

South America various islands.

Lolium canariense Steud. - Canary Islands ryegrass - Canary Islands, Cape Verde

Lolium giganteum Lam. - Eurasia from Ireland to China Bioko.

Lolium hybridum Hausskn. - Assam, Bhutan

Lolium mazzattianum (E.B.Alexeev) Darbysh. - Sichuan, Yunnan.

Lolium multiflorium Lam. - Eurasia + North Africa from Portugal + Canary Islands

to Himalayas; naturalized in East Asia, Australia, North + South America, various

islands

Lolium perenne L. - perennial ryegrass - Eurasia + North Africa from Azores to

Kashmir; naturalized in East Asia, Australia, North + South America, various islands

Lolium remotum Schrank - Indian Subcontinent; sparingly naturalized in scattered

locations in Europe + northern Asia

Lolium multiflorium is a ryegrass native to temperate Europe, though its precise

native range is unknown. It is herbaceous annual, biennial or perennial grass. It can be also

grown as ornamental grass.

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1.4.2 Uses

Vicia sativa. L have cylindrical root nodules of the intermediate type and are thus

nitrogen fixing plants. Their flowers usually have white to purple or blue hues but may be red

or yellow and these are pollinated by bumblebees. These are sown with different forage crops

to improve the production and with different grasses as pasture and for grazing purposes.

Lolium multiflorium contains some species which are important grasses for both

lawns and as pasture and for grazing and hay for livestock being a highly nutritious stock

feed. Ryegrass are also used in soil erosion control programme. It is principal grazing grass in

New Zealand where some 10 million kilograms of certified seed are produced every year.

There is a large range of cultivars. The primary specie found worldwide and used for both

lawns and as a forage crop is perennial ryegrass. Like many cool-season grasses of the

Poaceae, it harbors a symbiotic fungal endophyte either Epichloe or its close relative

Neotyphodium both of which are members of the fungal family Clavicipitaceae. Some species

particularly L.temulentum, are weeds which can have a severe impact on the production of

wheat and other crops. Ryegrass pollen is also one of the major causes of hay fever.

1.4.3 Aims and Objectives

Aims and objectives during this internship programme will be:

To determine the increase in growth and yield of Rye grass (Lolium mulltiflorium) by

increment in Common Vetch (Vicia Sativa. L) legume.

To determine the impact of Rye grass (Lolium multiflorium) and Common Vetch

(Vicia Sativa. L) mixture on soil fertility status.

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2 Nursery practices

2.1 Shifting of plants

At theday1st in nursery of (RRI) we were assigned to shift MPTS plants (2000) from

green house to the open beds of the nursery of RRI (NARC). The purpose of assigning this

work to our group is to provide technical knowledge about; how to shift the tubed plants from

green house to open beds without damaging the tubes and plant. This work done possible by

the para staff of the nursery we also participate in this work. It was very difficult for me to

shift the plants at beginning I damage almost 10 – 15 plants when I started shifting the plants.

Fig: 2.1.1shifting of plants

2.2 Preparation of nursery bed

We learned how to prepare nursery bed. Nursery Incharge gives us instruction about

plot dimensions, size and leveling the nursery beds. And also teach us the demerits of

unleveled nursery beds. When bed is not properly leveled it would be difficult to

arrange/place the polythene bags in beds and shower will also be improper which ultimately

results into a low yielding nursery pants (MPTS).

Fig 2.2.1 Removing bags from bed

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After shifting all tubed plants from green house we placed them in prepared beds.

Fig 2.2.2 levelling of beds

2.3 Placement of tubes in beds

Proper filling of polythene bags (tubes) is the most important measure for a good

nursery. Bag is continuously tapped on ground during filling to maintain the accurate filling

with mixture. After that it makes easy to place the tubes in the beds.

Fig: 2.3.1

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2.4 Weeding

The plant which grows out of its proper place is considered as weed. Weeds must be

removed from the planted experimental area for reducing the competition for moisture,

essential nutrients growth space and sunlight.

Fig: 2.4.1 weeding in research trail.

2.5 Preparation & plantation of cutting

Cuttings of MPTS (making) should be rill thickness and 9cm long having 4-5 buds.

While we planting it in a tube we must note that 2-3 buds should be in the soil so that rate of

sprouting is more than 90%.

Fig: 2.5.1 making of MPTS cuttings

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Arshad Ulla et al. (2007) conducted research to investigate the influence of legume

and grass intercropping on yield, biomass and soil fertility. Results revealed that maximum

biomass production was achieved in grass-legume mixture. When grass and legume were

grown alone, the yield was less than intercropping. Mixture of legume and grass and gave the

maximum plant height. Percentage of crude was recorded maximum in mixtures of legume

and grass, while it was minimum when the grass was alone at soil. Hence it is proved from

that yield and biomass of grasses can be increased when grasses are grown in mixture with

legumes.

The field experiment was carried out under surface-irrigated conditions at two agro-

ecological zones of the Vakinankaratra region, Belazao, Antsirabe II district (19° 90'S - 46°

97'E, 1571m) and Andranomafana, Betafo district (19° 83'S - 46° 83'E, 1310m), respectively,

during the dry and cool season (June to September) of 2010.The Vakinankaratra region has

tropical altitude climate with a dry and cool season lasting from May to September and a

warm and wet season extending from October to April with annual mean rainfall of 1300mm.

Soil types at the two sites are humid hydro orphic and tropical brown of volcanic origin,

respectively(Balasubramanian, Ratsimandresy, Razafinjara, & Rabeson, 1994).

Three cereals viz. oats (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat

(Triticum aestivum) were evaluated in pure stands as well as in mixtures of 50:50 ratios with

common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) under rain fed conditions of Pothowar to address the problem

of nutritious green fodder for livestock. The experiment was sown during second week of

October, 2007 in a randomized complete block design at Koont Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali

Shah-Arid Agriculture University, and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The results revealed that oats

vetch mixture performed better at all growth stages under rain fed conditions of Pothowar in

terms of green and dry matter yields. By this mixture, 35.06 tons per hectare green fodder and

9.29 ton per hectare dry matter yield was obtained which was 17 and 19 percent higher than

oats pure stand, respectively. Similarly, it was calculated that overall oats-vetch mixture

yielded 63 and 78 percent higher dry matter than barley-vetch and wheat-vetch, respectively.

So oats-vetch mixture can be recommended for higher biomass under rain fed conditions of

Pothowar.

Anwar et al. (2010) conducted a study at National Agricultural Research Centre,

Islamabad, Pakistan under rain-fed conditions of Pothwar to observe performance of

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intercropping of cereals with winter legumes i.e. common medics (Medicago polymorpha

L.),vetch (Vicia sativa L.),and Senji (Melilotous indica L.) were grown. The results indicated

that mixture produced higher fodder yield. After final harvest the soil analysis showed higher

organic matter in legume plots. This study showed that the differing response of flora belongs

to Fabaceae and Poaceae families representing the need of intercropping of these plants to

collect the higher biomass and uphold fertility of soil as well. Ansar et al. (2013) in 2008-9

and 2010-11 conducted research to know that in rain-fed area of Pothwar, vetch and oat was

grown in mixture as well as in pure seeding. The forage yield of winter cereals: in three

different seedling ratios as well as in pure cereal seedling, cereals and vetch studies were

conducted to discover the most excellent yielding seed ratio. Experiment showed that mixture

attained high forage yield as compared to pure cereal seedling, cereals and vetch studies were

conducted to discover the most excellent yielding seed ratio. Experiment showed that mixture

attained high forage yield as compared to pure stand in rain-fed conditions.

Sturludottir (2011) has conducted an experiment to scrutinize that a mixtures of

legumes and grasses gave extra yield and more resistance than growing alone. The forage

quality in a mixture was compared with the quality of forages grown separately. All the

species were grown in separate and systematic plots with four species in eleven different

mixtures. The plots were harvested 2-3 times in a site. Special diversity effects were recorded

positive as greater yield as compared to the species sown separately. The mixtures were more

productive and more resistant to invasive species than growing separately. Mixture of

legumes and grasses improve the quality of forage compared to the grasses in monoculture;

especially mixtures increase the crude protein concentration.

Proqueddu and Gonzalez (2006) performed an experiment to investigate self-

regenerating legumes in the southern Europe farming systems. Annual legumes are the basic

vegetation of Mediterranean pastures and are important to improve pastures of southern

Europe in semiarid areas. Some key agronomic aspects and the level offorage production and

forage quality are considered. The prospective of using legumes in simple and compound

(legume-legume) or (grass-legume) mixtures were analyzed. The inference of rhizobia-

legume symbiosis is also analyzed.

Hadj (2000) has conducted a research to know quality and yield of forages. The lack

of summer pasture supply is a major drawback to livestock production. High quality

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perennial warm-season grasses might provide a solution if managed for, inter-seeded legumes

delivered small but improved forage quality and yield of perennial warm-season grasses in

the legume-establishment year. Inter-seeded legumes delivered small but improved forage

quality and yield of perennial warm-season grasses in the legume=establishment year. Inter-

seeded legumes significantly improved quality and yield in terms of increased crude protein

and lowered fiber contents in grasses.

Saharan and Nehra (2011) conducted a research to study at Plant growth promoting

rizobacteria are naturally occurring bacteria in the soil that colonize in the plant roots and

benefits plant by providing growth enhancement. They help to; increase nitrogen fixation,

increase supply of nutrients such as phosphorus, sulphur , copper and iron, produce

hormones, promote free living nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhance other beneficial bacteria or

fungi, control bacterial and fungal diseases and help to control insect pests.

Olanite et al. (2004) conducted research in the moist savanna to identify options for

providing suitable livestock feed, the botanical composition, dry matter yield, crude protein.

Combinations of four legumes and two grasses were assessed the legumes were planted in

each combination of four legumes and two grasses were assessed. The legumes were planted

in each combination with Cynodon nlemfensis, Lolium multiflorium and Brachiaria

ruziziensis one by one. Mixtures higher dry matter yields with Brachiaria ruzziensis and

Lolium multiflorium recorded significantly than those with Cynodon nulmfensis. The legumes

content and dry matter yield of mixtures generally decreased with time. Variations in quality

were less than those of yield. Baba et al. (2011) conducted a six months field trial at the

University Putra, Malaysia to evaluate dry matter yield and nature of composition between

Panicum maximum (guinea grass) and each of the following legumes; Stylosanthes

guianensis (stylo), Macroptillium bracteatum (burgundy bean), Arahis pintol, and

centhrosema pubescence(Centro) in accordance with DeWit (1960) replacement principle.

There were 20 treatments in all consisting of monocultures of grass, legume and grass-

legume mixtures. Mixture showed lower total dry matter yields than their respective grass

monocultures.

Mahapatra (2011) conducted research to know association of sabai grass (Eulaliopsis

binata) and black gram (Vigana mungo) was studied for two years under acidic soil. Both

black gram and sabai grass were grown in monoculture for comparison. Yield of sabai grass

25

was higher in intercropping than in monoculture. The yield and growth of black gram were

affected in intercropping with sabai grass as compared to companion crop. Resistance to

diseases and invasive species can result in higher yield in mixtures than the component

species growing alone.

Trenbath (1974) reviewed data of 344 binary mixtures legumes and non-legumes

were omitted. It showed that the yield of the mixtures was above the mean yield of the

mixtures was above the mean yield of two monocultures. It was not exceptional that the

mixture was above the mean yield of two monocultures. It was not exceptional that the

mixture produced the more biomass than the productive monoculture. In 37% of the mixtures

the transgressive over yielding was observed. The difference between the higher yielding

monoculture and mixtures was not often tested statistically.

Cardinale et al. (2007) carried out 44 experiments for Meta-analysis summarized that

79% mixtures were more productive than monoculture. Their analysis also revealed that plant

mixture had special effects on biomass that were increased with time along with transgressive

over yielding also increases with time (Tilman et al., 2001; Hooper and Dukes, 2004).

Grass species have lesser nutritive value than legumes so growing mixtures of grass

and legume can improve forage quality as compared to grass monoculture (Sleugh et al.,

2000; Zemenchick et al., 2002).Benefits of mixture are that the digestibility declined lesser

with advancing maturity in legumes than in grasses. Rye grass can decline in digestibility by

20 g/kg dry matter per week while digestibility in white clover can decline by 10g/kg dry

matter per week (Dewhurst et al., 2009).

Bothriochloa pertusa is generally well-known as Palwan grass or hurricane grass. It is

tufted with perennial rhizomes and stolons. Culms are regulated up to of grazing e reticulate

up to 1 meter high. Basal diameter is about 7mm with 8-12 tillers. The leaves are linear and

basal. The flowering stems end into 6-10 shining brownish seed spikes. It is well dispersed in

South East Africa and tropical Africa. It is a native grass of Pothwar plateau at Himalayan

forest grazing lands. It is drought tolerant and can be effectively grown on arid area. It is an

excellent soil binder. Tufts are planted in the extremely eroded mountainous areas in Pothwar

plateau and Terbela watersheds. Tufts planted at 50cm space can cover up soil restraining a

growing season. Planting is done in the commencement of moon soon rainfall period. It has

26

significant potential for soil management in the Pothwar region (Muhammad N., 1989).It has

average forage value and recommended for reseeding in ruined grass land. It has average

forage value and considered one of the most excellent pasture grasses. It forms a close twig

when heavily grazed (siegfreid, 1990).

The important attraction of legumes as forages is not only a low production costs or

reduce the environmental impacts of livestock production systems. Animal products from

legume are also perceived by consumers as being “natural” than the same products from

intensively managed grass based wads or concrete supplements (Frame et al.,1998).Legumes

deliver proteins that grasses don’t have and increase he DM yield by fixing atmospheric

nitrogen that can be absorbed by plant tissues. Several researchers have conveyed that

legumes put forth a beneficial effect by increasing the crude protein concentration of the non-

legume species in the mixture (Wagner, 1954)

Vetch, medics and senji are very good pasture crops during winter months and being

the leguminous, these crops have the potential to improve soil fertility through biological

nitrogen fixation and provide nutritive fodder, hay, grain or green manure while providing the

rotational benefit (Siddique et al.,1996).Benefits of grass-legume mixtures include greater the

rotational benefit(Siddique et al.,1996).Benefits of grass-legume mixtures include greater

uptake of nutrients and water, enhanced weed control and increased conservation of

soil(Vansilakoglou et al.,2005).Similarly, common vetch can provide off-season forages to

cover forage shortage, and can provide additional benefits to soil quality and cereal crops

when grown in rotation with small grain cereals (Papastylianou et al.,1990).

The incorporation of legumes in intercropping increased the crude protein also

(Kuusela et al.,2004).Intercropping of forage legumes with cereals has improved both quality

and quantity of fodders, which subsequently improved the livestock production(Umunna et

al.,1995).The results revealed that insufficient organic matter in soil and crude protein can

limit the animal performance. Research has shown that diverse mixtures of plant species can

use available resources more efficiently in nutrient-poor environments (hector,1998) and they

can produce more yield than one or few species (Cardinale et al.,2007).

Nitrogen fertilizer is necessary to conserve productive agriculture but nitrogen

fixation denotes an essential factor in which dependence on synthetic nitrogen might be

27

decreased. It is clear that grass species can benefit by growing in mixtures of

legumes(Nesheim and Boller,1991;Nyfeler et al.,2011).Low temperature can constrain the

utilization by nitrogen fixing of legumes(Wachendorf et al.,2001).Research showed the

varieties that give high yield in mixture with grasses at low temperature (Helgadottir and

Dlamannsdottir.2004).

Thorvaldsson (1987) has examined the influence of weather on the quality of timothy.

Weather affects the forage quality directly or indirectly through its influence on

morphological development. Increasing radiation enhances digestibility but decreases crude

protein concentration and increase in temperature decreases the digestibility of grass. Soil can

also have a positive effect in nutritional value of forages and drought has a harmful effect,

e.g. accelerates decline in the crude protein concentration.

The mixtures had better quality values than the grass in monocultures. The mixtures

had higher crude protein content than the grass monoculture at all sites. The difference in

crude protein between the mixture and the grass monoculture can be explained by the low N

rate. Crude protein contents of grass are known to enhance with higher N rates (Zemenchick

et al.,2002;Buxton,1996).Mixture with legumes has been found to have more Crude protein

contents than grass given 224 kg/ha of N (Zemenchick et al.,2002).

The benefit of legumes in mixture with grass has long been documented Legume-

grass mixtures produce extra forage than pure stands of grass receiving no or moderate

amounts of n (Barnen and Poster, 1983; Jones et al., 1988).In Minnesota (Heichel and

henjum, 1991) reported that legumes in mixture with grasses are self-sufficient for N and can

simultaneously transfer significant N to the grass. Swards of reed Cana rye grass (Phalaris

arundinacea L.) with bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.),

red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) or Ladino clover (T.repense L.) were estimated for dry

matter productivity, stand composition, N fixation and N transfer. Alfalfa in mixture with

grass fixed the most of N per spell. The legume in the stand was significantly linked to

seasonal DM productivity.(West and Wedin,1985) categorized the relationship between soil

fixation, alfalfa in mixture with orchard grass (Dactylis glomarata L.) in lowa. Paraquat

sprays to decrease the competition for light, water and P from the existing alfalfa and adding

phosphorus to boost seedling development (Bryant, 1983).

28

MATERIAL AND METHODS

2.6 Sample Collection

Samples was collected from the field on 12th march and then brought to the lab for

accessing the fresh weight and then left for drying, So that dry matter % could be calculated

when it dried.

Plot Dimension and design

The plot size is 2×3=6 m and distance from plot to plot is 1m for easy access and to

avoid any type competition for nutrition. The experiment is laid out in RCBD with five

treatments and three replications of each treatment. Each treatment is arranged and then

randomized in the following manner

Common Vetch (alone) T1

Rye grass (alone) T2

Common Vetch 75% + Rye grass 25% T3

Common Vetch 50%+Rye grass 50% T4

Common Vetch 25%+Rye grass 75% T5

15 plots and 3 replications will be made.

29

Table No 1: Plot size 14m×36m; Path 1.5m each; Plot size 3.5m×6m (Date of sowing3/12/2015)

R1 R2 R3

T1 Rye grass 100% 8 LinesRye grass 75% 6 Lines

Common Vetch 25% 2 Lines

Rye grass 50% 4 Lines Common

Vetch 50% 4 Lines

T2Rye grass 25% 2 Lines

Common Vetch 75% 6 linesCommon Vetch 100% 8 Lines Rye grass 100% 8 Lines

T3Rye grass 50% 4 Lines


Rye grass 25% 2 Lines

Common Vetch 75% 6 lines

Ryegrass 75% 6 Lines


T4Ryegrass 75% 6 Lines

Common Vetch 25% 2 LinesRye grass 100% 8 Lines

Rye grass 25% 2 Lines


T5 Common Vetch 100% 8 LinesRye grass 50% 4 Lines

Common Vetch 50% 4 LinesCommon Vetch 100% 8 Lines

30

4.2 Laboratory analysis

Physical-Chemical soil analyses

Soil sampling

Samples will be collected at the depth of (15-30cm) from experimental site before

sowing and after harvesting the grass to determine the impact of legume on soil fertility

status.

Soil Analyses

Following soil analyses will be carried out:

Soil Texture

To determine soil textural class ISSS (International soil science Society) triangle will

be used (Gee and Bauder, 1986).

pH level

pH of soil will be determined with the help of pH meter(Page et al.,1982)

Electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity of soil will be recorded by EC meter in dS/m (Page et al.,

1982).

Available Phosphorus

Phosphorus will be determined by 0.5 M NaHCO3 (pH 7.5) of soil using spectrometer

(Olsen and Sommers, 1982).

Soil organic matter

In an Erlenmeyer flask of 500 ml, 1 gram soil will be taken. (10ml) potassium

dichromate (1N) will be mixed. Then concentrated H2SO4 (20ml) will be added and mixed

gently for 1 minute, standing by for 30 minutes it will be diluted by the addition of de ionized

water(175ml) and then H2PO4(10ml).After addition indicator diphenylamine (10-20 drops),it

will be titrated till sharp green end colour against 0.5N ferrous sulphates (Olson and

sommers,1982).

31

Total nitrogen

Ten grams soil, 30 ml of concentrated H2SO4 and digestion mixture (10g) will be

added into soil sample and heated till digest clears in the kjeldahl flask, then for four hours

the mixture will be boiled. After digestion, cool the diluted the digest and flask with distilled

water. Then 10 ml of digested material was taken, and distillation was done using NaOH and

bioric acid. By tiyrating against 0.1N H2SO4, Ammonium in distillate will be determined

(Hussain and Jabbar, 1985).

Agronomic data

Sowing time

Sowing time of legume will be the month of October, 2015 and for grass, during the

start of month of February, 2015.

Sowing method

The non-traditional winter legume i.e. Common Vetch (Vicia Sativa L.) will be sown

by hand drill in combination with each other, respectively. The grass will be sown in the

plots/ treatments by seed at experimental area of RRI.

Seed rate

Seed rate Common Vetch; will be 100kg/acre. Legume will be thoroughly mixed in

respective portion before sowing in all treatments.

Weeding

Treatments/Replications will be manually weeded on weekly basis after seeding.

Growth Assessment

Following parameters will be recorded to determine increase in the growth of grass.

1. Number of tillers

2. Plant height

3. Leaf width

Yield Assessment

Following parameters will be recorded to determine increase in the yield of grass.

Fresh weight

Fresh weight will be determined with the help of digital balance by cutting at about

2cm above the ground to determine fresh an dry matter yield to assess increase in yield.

32

Dry matter yield

After taking fresh weight of harvested grass sample will be oven dried at 70ºC for 48

hours to take dry weight.

Metrological data

Data regarding rainfall, temperature, pan evaporation, sun shine and wind speed for

interpreting results will be collected from Climatic Change, Alternative Energy and Water

Resources Institute, NARC.

Table No 2: Average rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and pan evaporation of

experimental area for 2014-15

MonthRainfall

(mm)

Min

Temp

( 0C )

Max

Temp

( 0C )

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Pan Evap.

(mm)

Wind

Speed

(Km/h)

October 12.59 16.6 29.5 78 2.96 37.3

November 18.57 6.8 23.6 71 1.86 28.6

December 2.22 4.0 19.5 70 1.31 25.7

January 7.09 2.29 23.0 69 1.42 32.4

February 77.15 5.79 18.1 74 1.70 40.0

March 284.43 9.66 21.0 76 2.29 38.5

April 12.96 13.57 27.8 66 4.17 49.9

May 76.93 18.05 32.45 63 5.43 67.15

33

Graph#1

Graph#2

34

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May0

50

100

150

200

250

300

12.59 18.572.22 7.09

77.15

284.43

12.96

76.93

Monthly average rainfall (mm) of experimental area

Monthly average rainfall (mm) of experimental area


5

10

15

20

25

30

35

29.5

23.6

19.5

23

18.121

27.8

32.45Monthly average temp. (C0) of experimental area

Graph#3

Graph#4

35


10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

7871 70 69

74 76

66 63

Relative Humidity (%) of experimental area


1

2

3

4

5

6

Pan evaporation(mm) at experimental area

Pan evaporation(mm) at experimental area

Graph # 5

Data of the experiment with specified interval for the first time data was collected on

12th Feb. 2nd time data was collected on 26th Feb and for the third time data was collected on

11th march. Which is mention in following tables.

36


1020304050607080

Monthly Average wind speed (km/h) of exper-imental area

Monthly Average wind speed (km/h) of experimental area

Table No 3: Data collected on 12th Feb

R1 R2 R3

T1

Rye grass100% 2 lines 2.2 inches Nil

Rye grass75% (6 lines)2.12 inchesCommon Vetch25% (2 lines)3.25 inches10 leaves/Branch6 branches/Plant

Rye grass50% (4 lines)2.15 inchesCommon Vetch50 % (4 lines)3.3 inches12 leaves/Branch3 branches/Plant

T2


Common Vetch100% (3 lines)2.99 inches17 leaves/Branches7 branches/Plant

Rye grass100%8 lines2.34 inchesNil

T3

Rye grass50% (4 lines)3 inchesCommon Vetch50% (4 lines)4 inches12 leaves/Branch2 branches/Plant

Rye grass25% (2 lines)Common Vetch75% (6 lines)3.28 inches7 leaves/Branch12 branches/Plant

Rye grass75% (6 lines)4.3 inchesCommon Vetch25% (2 lines)14 leaves/Branch13 branches/Plant

T4



Rye grass25% (2 lines)3.15 inchesCommon Vetch75% (6 lines)2.35 inches13 leaves/Branches2 branches/Plant

T5

Common Vetch100%8 lines3.23 inches22 leaves/Branch5 branches/Plant


Common Vetch100% (8 lines)3.2 inches19 leaves/Branch5 branch/Plant

37

Table No 4: Data collected on 26th Feb

R1 R2 R3

T1



Rye grass50% (4 lines)4.05 inchesCommon Vetch50 % (4 lines)5.5 inches50 leaves/Branch13 branches/Plant

T2




T3




T4

Rye grass75% (6 lines)5 inchesCommon Vetch25% (2 lines)7.32 inches35 leaves/Branch24 branches/Plant



T5



Common Vetch100% (8 lines)5 inches45 leaves/Branch25 branch/Plant

38

Table No 5: Data collected on 11th March

R1 R2 R3

T1



Rye grass50% (4 lines)5.25 inchesCommon Vetch50 % (4 lines)7 inches50 leaves/Branch13 branches/Plant

T2




T3




T4

Rye grass75% (6 lines)6 inchesCommon Vetch25% (2 lines)9 inches35 leaves/Branch24 branches/Plant


Rye grass25% (2 lines)612 inchesCommon Vetch75% (6 lines)7.5 inches33 leaves/Branches22 branches/Plant

T5



Common Vetch100% (8 lines)6.62 inches45 leaves/Branch25 branch/Plant

39

RESULT

Table No 6: For Rye grass (Lolium multiflorium)

Sr. No Fresh wt. (kg) Dry wt. (kg)

1 22 12.9

2 29 11.6

3 21 10.29

4 19 8.17

5 20.1 10.05

6 26 12.48

7 27 16.26

8 25.5 10.2

9 25 11.75

10 22 12.32

11 24 9.84

12 25 13.5

Total= 286.7 139.36

Total Fresh weight= 286.7

Average fresh weight=286.7/12=23.89 kg/ha

Area = 14 m * 36 m = 504m2

Yield from 504m2 is =286.7kg /ha

Yield from 1m2 is = 286.7/504

Yield from 1ha = 286.7/504 *10000 =5688 Kg/ha

Yield in mounds =5688/40 =142.2 m/ha

Total Dry weight= 139.36

Average Dry weight=11.61

Yield from 504m2 is=139.36

Yield from 1ha = 139.36/504*10000=2765.04Kg/ha

Yield in mounds =69.12m/ha

40

Table No 7: For Common Vetch (Vicia sativa.L)

Sr. No Fresh wt. (kg) Dry wt. (kg)

1 36 11.88

2 39 15.6

3 37 18.5

4 34 20.4

5 38 20.9

6 35 20.75

7 31 12.09

8 29 14.21

9 37 12.95

10 30 9

11 34 12.58

12 38 15.2

Total= 418 179.06

Total Fresh weight= 418

Average fresh weight=418/12=34.83 kg /ha

Area =14 m * 36m=504m2

Yield from 504m2 is =418 kg /ha

Yield from 1m2 is = 418/504

Yield from 1ha = 418/504 *10000 =8293.65Kg/ha

Yield in mounds =207m/ha

Total Dry weight= 179.06

Average Dry weight=14.92

Yield from 504m2 is=179.06

Yield from 1ha =179.06/504*10000=3553.37Kg/ha

Yield in mounds =88.83m/ha

41

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