Optimizing Seed Rate and Cutting Frequency for Enhanced Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Growth and Fodder Yield under Irrigated Conditions of Tandojam, Sindh

Abstract

Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is a premier winter forage legume in Pakistan, valued for its high crude protein content (18–22%) and biological nitrogen fixation. However, fodder productivity in irrigated Sindh remains suboptimal due to a lack of location-specific agronomic recommendations, particularly for seed rate and cutting management. This study, conducted during the winter season of 2016–2017 at Tandojam, evaluated the effects of three seed rates (12, 16 and 20 kg ha⁻¹) and three cutting regimes (no cut, one cut at 30 days after sowing [DAS] and two cuts at 30 and 60 DAS) on berseem growth and yield. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Data on plant height, leaves per plant, branches per plant, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield were subjected to two-way ANOVA. All traits were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by seed rate, cutting regime and their interaction. The combination of a 20 kg ha⁻¹ seed rate with a single cut at 30 DAS produced the highest plant height (80.0 cm), leaves per plant (75.5), branches per plant (39.1), green fodder yield (82,470 kg ha⁻¹) and dry fodder yield (7,618 kg ha⁻¹). The two-cut regime reduced overall productivity, as the second cut coincided with the coldest winter period, limiting crop regrowth. For irrigated conditions in Sindh, a seed rate of 20 kg ha⁻¹ with a single cut at 30 DAS is recommended. Future research should explore higher seed rates, alternative cultivars and integrated nutrient management strategies.