TABLE 1 - available via license: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Content may be subject to copyright.
Source publication
Despite being some of the most important crops globally, there has been limited research on forages when compared with cereals, fruits, and vegetables. This review summarizes the literature highlighting the significance of forage crops, the current improvements and some of future directions for improving yield and nutritional quality. We make the p...
Context in source publication
Similar publications
Natural grasslands are major animal feed resources in the moutainous region of Serbia. Proper use of mineral fertilizers in these grasslands can lead to a multiple increase in productivity. The paper analyzes the effect of NPK fertilizers with different levels of nitrogen (unfertilized - A0; N60:P40:K40 - A1; N100:P40:K40 - A2; N140:P40:K40 - A3) o...
Citations
... Forage nutritional quality is a crucial factor in evaluating the performance of mixed-sown grasslands. The stem-to-leaf ratio serves as a reliable indicator of forage palatability [17,18]. Among the analyzed mixtures, the combination of Poa pratensis and Puccinellia tenuiflora exhibited the lowest stem-to-leaf ratios in the second, third, fifth, and sixth years, indicating superior palatability. ...
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), a native grass species of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is widely used for ecological restoration due to its high growth rate and strong adaptability. However, monocultures of Poa pratensis are prone to rapid degradation and low productivity, limiting their suitability for animal husbandry. To address these challenges, this study evaluated the production performance and interspecific relationships of different mixed-sown and monoculture grasslands to identify optimal cultivation strategies. Field experiments were conducted over a six-year period, with three mixed-sown treatments—Poa pratensis combined with Siberian wildrye (Elymus sibiricus L.), Chinese fescue (Festuca sinensis Engler ex S.L.Lu), and alkali grass (Puccinellia tenuiflora (Griseb.) Scribn. & Merr.)—alongside their respective monocultures. LASSO regression (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression) and ROC curve analysis (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analysis) were applied to identify key factors influencing production performance. The results indicated that the mixed-sown grassland of Elymus sibiricus and Poa pratensis significantly boosted forage yield by 216.88% to 323.06% in comparison with monoculture Poa pratensis. Additionally, the comprehensive evaluation index, which integrates forage yield and nutritional quality, was 16.41% higher for the Elymus sibiricus and Poa pratensis mixture than for the monoculture Poa pratensis grassland. These findings imply that the mixed-sown grassland of Elymus sibiricus and Poa pratensis effectively addresses the low productivity issue often seen in monoculture Poa pratensis grasslands. However, in terms of yield stability and interspecific compatibility, the mixed-sown grassland of Puccinellia tenuiflora and Poa pratensis demonstrated superior performance. Its relative total yield (RTY) consistently exceeded 1.0 from the third to the sixth year, reflecting higher interspecific compatibility and stable productivity over time. And the Poa pratensis and Puccinellia tenuiflora mixture showed the best performance, achieving the highest stability value of 3.12. Therefore, the combination of Poa pratensis and Puccinellia tenuiflora is recommended as the optimal strategy for achieving long-term yield stability and high productivity in cultivated grasslands.
... SS can enrich the soil for growing fruits and vegetables, improving their nutritional quality and health benefits. The organic matter in SS contributes to enhanced root development and nutrient uptake, which can increase fruit and vegetable yields while supporting soil health (Capstaff & Miller, 2018). Utilizing SS on dairy pastures can improve forage quality, directly benefiting livestock by enhancing their nutritional intake. ...
Sewage sludge (SS) is valuable for agricultural purposes after undergoing physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Intensive agricultural methodologies necessitate substantial inputs of organic matter and nutrients to maintain soil fertility and optimize crop yields. The treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater yields nutrient-dense biosolids, which can be utilized as valuable organic fertilizers after treatment to mitigate contaminants, including xenobiotics, pathogens, and toxic substances. The presence of both macronutrients and micronutrients, along with the organic matter content, makes biosolids exceptional soil amendments for diverse crop cultivation. Historically regarded as waste due to their impurity profiles, the production of wastewater and biosolids has escalated markedly in response to demographic expansion, urbanization, and industrial growth. This trend is particularly pronounced in arid and semi-arid regions, where the application of biosolids in agricultural practices is increasing, driven by the rising costs of mineral fertilizers. Although the nutrient cycling and waste management advantages associated with biosolid application can be sustainable, economically viable, and efficient, it is imperative to meticulously assess the potential hazards posed by harmful materials, such as pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals.
... In contrast, Extracts Without Nitrogen (EWN) and Dietary Fiber (DF) contents were higher in the dry season, indicating that structural carbohydrates accumulate as an adaptation to environmental stress (Dias e Silva and Filho 2021). Small fluctuations were observed in Ash Content (AC) (11.71% rainy season, 11.27% dry season) and Crude Fat (CF) content (4.80% rainy season, 4.20% dry season), reflecting the stability of the forage mineral and lipid content (Capstaff and Miller et al. 2018). Overall, forage in the wet season had better nutrient quality, supporting the nutritional needs of livestock more optimally. ...
Sangadji I, Kunda RM, Utami P. 2025. Metagenomic investigation of the fecal microbiota in Lakor goats of different sexes with a basic diet of field grass. Biodiversitas 26: 1861-1869. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in the health and productivity of ruminants, including goats. This study investigated the composition and diversity of fecal microbiota in Lakor goats of different sexes fed a basic diet of field grass using a metagenomic approach. A total of 10 samples were collected from male and female goats of 5 samples each, and high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to analyze the microbial community structure. Results revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between sexes, which may be influenced by hormonal differences, feeding behavior, and metabolic needs. This study suggests that sex influences the composition of fecal microbiota in Lakor goats. Moreover, it revealed that sex affects the diversity and composition of the microbiota, with significant differences at the family and species levels. Alpha diversity analysis showed that female goats had higher microbial diversity than male goats, with a Shannon index of 2.03 in females and 1.33 in males, indicating a more complex microbial community in females. The microbial community composition in male goats was dominated by species such as Romboutsia timonensis and Clostridium sp., whereas female goats showed a more balanced microbial distribution, with the dominance of genera such as Pradoshia, Eubacterium, and Lysinibacillus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that female goats have a more stable microbial community, supporting more efficient fiber fermentation and Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) metabolism. Proximate test results showed differences in feed nutrient content between the wet and dry seasons, with higher crude protein content in the wet season, potentially affecting feed quality and microbiota. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering sex in microbiota studies to optimize feeding strategies and health management for Lakor goats. These findings suggest that sex-specific dietary interventions and probiotic strategies could improve feed utilization, immune function, and productivity in Lakor goats.
... To meet the calorific requirements of projected population growth, the drought resilience of food systems needs to be increased while simultaneously meeting legislative and economic pressures to reduce fertilization inputs and maintain yield. Forage industry crops occupy a third of total cropland and support 4 billion livestock animals, including 1.5 billion cattle and 0.2 billion bison (Liu et al., 2023;Capstaff and Miller, 2018). In turn, the global herds of cattle and bison supply 11% of the world's dietary protein through meat and milk (Mottet et al., 2017). ...
... However, the forage industry is vulnerable to increased drought pressure. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns due to climate change have already led to widespread declines in forage persistence and productivity (Liu et al., 2023;Capstaff and Miller, 2018). This decline is particularly evident in the forage pastures of southern Australia, where the perennial ryegrass pastures that support the southern dairy region have shown decreases in water use efficiency, yield, and nitrogen content, leading to significant gaps in the feed base during dry summers (Pembleton et al., 2016;Neal et al., 2009;Liu et al., 2023;Chapman et al., 2008). ...
... Lucerne, or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), has demonstrated increased drought tolerance, water use efficiency, and yield maintenance compared to other forages, even under simulated temperature increases of 2 • C (Pembleton et al., 2016;Cullen et al., 2012;Neal et al., 2009). Colloquially known as the "queen of forage, " lucerne is a perennial leguminous forage crop well known for its high protein content, high biomass yield, excellent nutritional value, and high digestibility (Noori et al., 2018;Baudracco et al., 2011;Capstaff and Miller, 2018). Predominantly grown in arid and semi-arid regions, its popularity is also partially due to its suitability as both a standalone crop or as a part of a mixed pasture in combination with temperate and tropical grasses (Capstaff and Miller, 2018;Noori et al., 2018). ...
The potential of phosphate-solubilizing microbes (PSMs) to enhance plant phosphorus uptake and reduce fertilizer dependency remains underutilized. This is partially attributable to frequent biofertilizer-farming system misalignments that reduce efficacy, and an incomplete understanding of underlying mechanisms. This study explored the seed microbiomes of nine Australian lucerne cultivars to identify and characterize high-efficiency PSMs. From a library of 223 isolates, 94 (42%) exhibited phosphate solubilization activity on Pikovskaya agar, with 15 showing high efficiency (PSI > 1.5). Genomic analysis revealed that the “high-efficiency” phosphate-solubilizing microbes belonged to four genera (Curtobacterium, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Pantoea), including novel strains and species. However, key canonical genes, such as pqq operon and gcd, did not reliably predict phenotype, highlighting the limitations of in silico predictions. Mutagenesis of the high-efficiency isolate Pantoea rara Lu_Sq_004 generated mutants with enhanced and null solubilization phenotypes, revealing the potential role of “auxiliary” genes in downstream function of solubilization pathways. Inoculation studies with lucerne seedlings demonstrated a significant increase in shoot length (p < 0.05) following treatment with the enhanced-solubilization mutant, indicating a promising plant growth-promotion effect. These findings highlight the potential of more personalized “system-appropriate” biofertilizers and underscore the importance of integrating genomic, phenotypic, and in planta analyses to validate function. Further research is required to investigate links between genomic markers and functional outcomes to optimize the development of sustainable agricultural inputs.
... Livestock products, as a primary source of protein, play a crucial role in ensuring dietary health. Animal husbandry can effectively convert non-edible crops, such as fodder, into human food [2,3]. However, to meet the demand for livestock products, overgrazing and unreasonable development have led to the deterioration of the ecological environment of natural grasslands [4][5][6]. ...
... We measured growth characteristics, forage yield, and feeding value. The goals of the trial were as follows: (1) to comprehensively assess the adaptability, yield, Agronomy 2025, 15, 994 3 of 20 and nutritional value of different oat varieties/lines; (2) to identify high-and stable-yield forage oats and evaluated their forage potential; and (3) to provide superior germplasm for autumn sowing in agricultural and pastoral areas of China to promote the sustainable development of the local livestock industry. ...
... Before sowing, the soil was prepared with a chisel plow and a disk harrow. A week before sowing, based on local fertilization recommendations, all plots were treated with a compound fertilizer (N:P 2 All agronomic characteristics were assessed at the filling stage (Zadok's 75) [24]. The plant height (PH), tiller number (TN), and stem-leaf ratio (SLR) were measured using 10 plants randomly selected from the center of each plot. ...
In light of current global challenges of climate change, the over-exploitation of natural resources, and increasing demand for livestock products, the exploration of excellent forage crop resources holds great potential for development. Therefore, selecting forage crops that are high-yield, high-quality, and have excellent resistance to pests and diseases can greatly promote the development of the livestock industry. Oat (Avena sativa L.), a dual-purpose crop for grain and forage, plays a vital role in the development of animal husbandry. Autumn-sown oats have a significantly longer growth cycle than spring-sown oats, ensuring a year-round forage supply and achieving higher yields. The agropastoral transitional zone in southwest China is a key region for autumn-sown oats, but the systematic evaluation of oat germplasm there is still limited. Therefore, we conducted a two-growing-season (2022–2024) field experiment across four locations to evaluate nine oat genotypes for growth phenotypes, forage productivity, and nutritional quality through 11 agronomic traits and nutritional parameters during the filling stage (Zadok’s 75). The results revealed the following: (1) agronomic performance: dry matter yield (DMY) ranged from 10.72 to 14.58 t/ha, with line ‘WC109’ achieving the highest DMY (14.58 t/ha) and crude protein (CP, 9.66%); (2) nutritional quality: CP exhibited a significant negative correlation with fiber content (NDF: r = −0.72, p < 0.01; ADF: r = −0.68, p < 0.01), highlighting a yield–quality trade-off; ‘WC109’ demonstrated superior forage value, with the highest relative forage quality (RFQ: 115.45) and grading index (GI: 19.30); (3) environmental adaptation: location-specific climatic conditions significantly influenced productivity, with Wenjiang (WJ) showing optimal performance due to favorable temperature and precipitation. These results position ‘WC109’ as a promising candidate for autumn-sown cultivation in southwest China, addressing winter forage shortages while enhancing livestock nutrition. Our findings further elucidate the mechanisms linking yield and feeding value to growth performance indicators, providing references for trait-based measures to enhance forage oat productivity and quality.
... Grasslands occupy approximately 40% of global ice-free land (Bai and Cotrufo 2022) and are integral to livestock production, which provides essential dietary protein for human consumption (Capstaff and Miller 2018). In temperate agricultural zones, it is common practice to apply phosphatic fertilizer annually to grass-legume pastures (Simpson et al. 2014). ...
Phosphorus (P) is a finite resource and an essential macronutrient for plant growth. The importance of low soil P availability in constraining plant biomass responses to elevated CO2 (eCO2) is increasingly recognized. P fertilization could alleviate these constraints, but biogeochemical feedbacks under eCO2 may diminish the effectiveness of P fertilizer in raising soil P availability. Here, we present data from a botanically diverse grazed pasture enriched with CO2 (+84–111 ppm) and supplied with P fertilizer (1.5 g P m⁻² year⁻¹) for approximately 24 years, showing (1) a sustained 27% reduction in topsoil Olsen P under eCO2 prior to annual fertilizer application, and (2) an approximate halving of the short‐term (approximately 4 months) effectiveness of P fertilizer in raising Olsen P by 1 unit under eCO2. Similar results occurred with the Bray‐1 soil P test. These effects soon disappeared after CO2 enrichment stopped. Accumulation of moderately labile organic P in the eCO2 topsoil shortly after fertilization indicated rapid biological immobilization of newly applied P occurring under eCO2. Alternative P loss mechanisms under eCO2, including inorganic P depletion due to increased pasture growth, increased P offtake versus return through the plant→animal→dung pathway, or P movement down the soil profile, were not supported by the available evidence. Despite this, pasture P concentration and uptake were similar under eCO2 and ambient CO2, and the biomass of the P‐sensitive legume Trifolium repens was often greater under eCO2. Thus, either the fertilizer regime was sufficient to maintain a non‐limiting pasture P status, or integrated plant–soil biological adjustments under eCO2 compensated for reduced P availability. If compensatory mechanisms play a greater role in supporting crop P nutrition under eCO2 but are neglected by routine soil P availability tests focused on inorganic P, overapplication of P fertilizers will occur as CO2 levels continue to rise.
... The CP content was determined using the Kjeldahl method [20], and NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents were determined using the Van Soest method [20]. Relative feeding value (RFV) was calculated using the following formulae [21]: For forage, the plant height, branch number, and hay yield were generally positively correlated with nutritional quality [22,23]. Therefore, in this experiment, the values for each parameter of the fore and succeeding crops were added and regarded as the interaction values between the crops. ...
Double-cropping systems in which two kinds of crops are harvested per year can elevate forage yields significantly. This is the first report on a double-cropping system in the northeastern margin of alpine pastoral areas on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau with an elevation of 3500 m. In this experiment, eight triticale genotypes, including five varieties (‘Gannong No. 2’, ‘Gannong No. 3’, ‘Gannong No. 4’, ‘Gannong No. 7’, and ‘Zangsi No. 1’), and three lines (C16, C23, and C25) were used as the fore crops, with the four succeeding crops being 50% of triticale mixed with 50% of forage pea (B1), 50% of triticale mixed with 50% of common vetch, 50% of oat mixed with 50% of forage pea, and 50% of oat mixed with 50% of common vetch. Over 2 years (2020–2021), among the fore crops, ‘Gannong No. 4’ had the highest average hay yield (9.00 t·ha⁻¹), crude protein content (114.97 mg·g⁻¹), and relative feeding value (91.77), as well as the lowest average neutral detergent fiber content (598.17 mg·g⁻¹). Among the succeeding crops, B1 had the highest average hay yield (11.45 t·ha⁻¹) and nutritional quality. Among the interactions between the fore and succeeding crops, the highest hay yield (21.72 t·ha⁻¹), crude protein content (262.22 mg·g⁻¹), and relative feeding value (219.34) were obtained when ‘Gannong No. 4’ was doubled with B1. The results provide a theoretical basis for carrying out a double-cropping system in the alpine pastoral areas on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, and this has very important implications for crop production in this area.
... Stresses cause a variety of plant responses, including altered gene expression, cellular metabolism, and variations in growth (Grando and Macpherson, 2005;Guamán-Rivera, Albanell, et al., 2023). Furthermore, plant stressors are classified into two types: abiotic and biotic (Neugebauer, 1988;Capstaff and Miller, 2018;Schwarz et al., 2022). Abiotic stress put on plants by the environment might be physical or chemical (Benabderrahim and Elfalleh, 2021). ...
The research investigates the impact of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the agronomic performance and nutritional quality of forage species under varying cutting intervals. Forages, being subject to biotic and abiotic stress, often experience changes in
productivity and composition, significantly affecting their utility in livestock nutrition. This study evaluates the growth responses and chemical composition of Lolium rigidum, Poa pratensis, and Plantago lanceolata when treated with three ASA
doses (0, 1, and 1.5 L/ha) over cutting frequencies of 25, 35, and 45 days. The experiment employed a bifactorial randomized block design with 3×3 treatment combinations. Results indicate that a higher ASA dose of 1.5 L/ha positively influenced plant height, stem density, vigor, and dry matter yield, with a maximum yield of 1922.73 kg DM/ha at 45 days of cutting. This demonstrates that increased ASA application and extended cutting intervals optimize biomass accumulation and agronomic traits. However, shorter cutting intervals at 35 days improved the forage's nutritional content, including ash, protein, and ether extract, suggesting a trade-off between quantity and quality. Lolium rigidum displayed the highest protein content (18.05%) and moisture levels, making it suitable for high-protein diets but less ideal for storage. Conversely, Poa pratensis exhibited higher fiber content, impacting digestibility but enhancing its use in maintenance diets. Plantago lanceolata, with elevated ether extract content, offers potential for energy supplementation in high-demand scenarios. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring ASA doses and cutting strategies to specific forage species and production goals, emphasizing their role in sustainable livestock management. These results provide valuable insights into optimizing forage quality and yield under challenging environmental conditions.
... In contrast, the number of leaves per plant directly influences the green fodder yield and nutritional quality of the fodder crops. Several factors influence these characteristics, including the genetic traits of different crop varieties, nutrient management practices and their availability, environmental factors, and soil health (22)(23)(24). ...
Identifying a high-yielding and economically advantageous berseem variety, along with optimal nutrient management strategies, is crucial for maximizing fodder and forage crops productivity and profitability. To accomplish these objectives, a field experiment was carried out in a split-plot design during the rabi season of 2022-2023. The main plot accommodated two different berseem varieties (BL-42 and Mescavi). The subplot consisted of nine different nutrient combinations: Control, 100% recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP), 100% recommended dose of zinc (RDZn), 100% RDP + one Nano spray (P), 75% RDP + two Nano spray (P,) 50% RDP + three Nano spray (P), 100% RDZn + zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB), 75% RDZn + ZnSB, and 50% RDZn + ZnSB. The study assessed the effects of phosphorus and zinc nutrient management on the physiological and morphological responses, yield attributes, and economic attributes of various berseem cultivars. The results revealed that the Mescavi variety outperformed the BL-42 variety regarding physiological growth and biomass yield. The Mescavi exhibited an 18% increase in green fodder output and a 24% increase in dry matter yield compared to the BL-42 variety. In addition, applying 100% RDP+ one Nano spray (P) resulted in a substantial increase of 144% in green fodder production and 330% in dry matter yield compared to the control treatment. Mescavi yielded a gross return of 32793 ? ha-1 and a net return of 19985 ? ha-1 compared to the BL-42 variety, with a gross and net return of 27635 ? ha-1 and 14827 ? ha-1, respectively. The treatment comprising of 100% RDP + one Nano spray (P) resulted in the highest gross and net return (37866.67 and 23666.67 ? ha-1, respectively) as compared to the control treatment (15512.44 and 4296.94 ? ha-1, respectively). The notable differences in output and returns confirmed the effectiveness of specific agronomic approaches in enhancing the profitability and sustainability of fodder farming.
... The advancement of bioinformatics and genomics has transformed the field of biology. As databases grow to encompass a wider range of cultivars and species, this data can help breeders enhance the productivity of crops (Capstaff and Miller 2018). ...
... A potential limitation is expected to arise from introducing the novel genetic material into fodder crops. Genetically modified forage crops might be more socially acceptable since their inclusion in the human food supply is indirect when consumed by animals (Capstaff and Miller 2018). CRISPR/Cas9 technology is being explored for genetic manipulations in forage crops. ...
... Several genes with promising potential have been discovered that might be efficiently transferred into forage crops; however, the transformation technique is hindering the progress of enhancing these plants. In the times ahead, editing the genome may gain wider acceptance, especially for animal feed crops (Capstaff and Miller 2018). ...
Perennial forage crops play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural ecosystems, particularly in barren lands where conventional crop cultivation may face challenges due to harsh conditions. These crops offer a sustainable solution for transforming unproductive land into a valuable resource, enhancing both agricultural and livestock production. The potential applications of perennial forage crops are diverse, contributing significantly to various aspects of agriculture production. They play a vital role in improving soil health by boosting nitrogen levels, especially when comprising perennial forage legumes. Additionally, they contribute to enhancing the soil microbiome, suppressing weeds, acting as barriers against soil erosion, and mitigating the presence of toxic compounds in the soil. Perennial forage crops also contribute to climate resilience through carbon sequestration, promote biodiversity management, and have socioeconomic implications. Despite their numerous benefits, the innovative techniques of genome analysis can be leveraged further to develop perennial forages with desirable traits. This approach aims to optimize the conditions of underutilized lands to their maximum potential. This chapter primarily focuses on the role of perennial forage crops in the restoration of barren lands from the perspectives of biodiversity and ecosystem enhancement.
