Introduction of White Clover for Herbage Production and Nitrogen Fixation in the Hilly Areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
2004
Abbasi, M Kaleem | Nasim Khan, M.
Agricultural sustainability problems related to soil erosion and fertility depletion have arisen throughout the agro-ecological zone of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Introduction and exploitation of clover is predicted to be beneficial and useful under these conditions because of its potential for herbage production, N₂ fixation, and soil cover characteristics. A 1-year field study with a local ecotype of white clover was carried out. Vegetative growth, herbage yield, nitrogen (N) uptake, and soil N content were investigated. Additionally, Rhizobia infestation was studied by isolating Rhizobia in culture media. The annual herbage yield (fresh fodder) of clover, and of clover and grass mixture harvested twice during the season was 7–15 t/ha while dry matter production was 3–6 t/ha. Protein content of white clover was 16% as compared to 5% in the indigenous grass species, demonstrating the superior feed value of white clover. The development of Rhizobium colonies in the culture media and the presence of about 20 nodules per plant indicated the purity of Rhizobium and its N₂ fixing potential. The N content of clover and clover and grass mixture was 2–2.5% compared to 0.87% for grass alone, showing that clover was able to fix an average of 77 kg N/ha, a very encouraging figure even under low moisture conditions. A 70% increase in total soil N in clover-growing plots relative to control plots was observed. It was concluded that white clover can easily be grown and established in the hilly areas of Rawalakot, and would sustain a high level of pasture production and provide inputs of N through N₂ fixation which, in turn, would increase the productivity potential of soils in mountain eco-regions in AJK.
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