Effect of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L) Legume on Growth and Yield of Rye Grass (Lolium multiflorium L)

Abstract

This study has summarized research and field observations of the work that was conducted from 2015 to 2016 at field area of the Range Land Research Institute (RRI), National Agriculture Research Centre(NARC), Islamabad to evaluate the effect of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) legume on growth and yield of Rye grass (Lolium multiflorium L). Data regarding the physical-chemical analysis of the soil (ph, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, organic matter and available phosphorus), crop parameter (Number of tillers, number of leaves, plant height, fresh land dry weight and crude protein) and meteorological data regarding rain fall, temperature, pan evaporation, sunshine and wind speed for interpreting results along with their statistical analysis as fixing legume with grass has improved the forage quality. Overall, these results has suggested that grass-legume mixtures can improve livestock and pasture productivity, sustainability and as well as to fix atmospheric nitrogen and this may improve soil N status also. These mixtures were also recommended for use in the semi-arid region of Pakistan as it would be beneficial economically.