Effects of Rate and Source Organo-Mineral Material on Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Barley-Pea Mixed under Arid Conditions

Cereal-legume intercropping plays a vital role in the subsistence food production system that prevails in the arid regions. It not only provides profitable crop productivity for agricultural communities but also plays an important role in improving soil fertility. Therefore, the present research was conducted to assess the effect of the organic and mineral fertilizers on the forage yield and nutritional value in barley-pea intercropping system. The results revealed that the quality of forage grass is significantly influenced by both organic and inorganic fertilizer. Thus, organic fertilizer application has significantly influenced the dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Among the treatments, organic fertilizer added at rate of 35 m⁻³ ha⁻¹ produced the maximum fresh and dry matter in barley and peas. In addition, the same level of organic fertilizer also improved silage composition by significantly increasing the protein and fiber content and showed highest the values. Based on overall results, it is concluded that organic fertilizer treatment (35 m⁻³ ha⁻¹) has the potential as an effective strategy to improve the productivity and nutritional quality of the barley-pea intercropping system in arid areas. The results revealed that organic fertilizer can be utilized in sustainable agricultural as a source of nutrients for numerous various crops under arid conditions.