Supplemental Irrigation and the Herbage Yield of Sesbania Tree Legume Lines (Sesbania scopoli)

Abstract

In order to help livestock farmers choose the most promising species to raise for fodder, this research compared three different lines of native perennial Sesbania tree legumes grown with and without additional irrigation. Three Sesbania tree legume lines—S. sesban DZF-405, S. dummeri DZF-336, and S. sesban DZF-403—were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the three Sesbania tree legume lines with respect to the agronomic performances measured by vigor, height, diameter, lateral branches less than 50cm and 100cm, survival, dry matter percent, dry matter leaf-to-stem ratio, and dry matter yield in tons per hectare. In terms of dry matter yield (Mean±SEM) in tons per hectare, the two S. sesban lines of DZF-405 and DZF-403 statistically outperformed S. dummeri DZF-336 (3.29±1.07). Compared to the second harvest (3.3±0.39 and 6.59±0.78) and third harvest (4.44±0.39 and 7.82±0.78), the first and second harvests, respectively, had a significantly higher number of lateral branches smaller than 50 and 100 cm, with a p-value of less than 0.001. Nevertheless, at the first harvest, the diameter was noticeably small at 2.88±0.24 (P<0.001). There was a significant increase (P<0.001) in the dry matter yield (8.7±1.07) and the dry matter leaf-to-stem ratio (1.32±0.06) during the second harvest period. Under Wondogenet circumstances, the two S. sesban fodder lines produce quantitatively superior dry matter. The types are more prolific when watered with more water, and they may produce harvests at least three times a year. Use it to feed fresh fodder or leaf hay with ease using the cut-and-carry method. For animal feed resources, this smallholder farmer is recommended to employ the S. sesban lines of DZF-405 and DZF-403 while supplementing irrigation.