Enhancing Forage Production and Nutrient Value through Cereal/Legume Mixtures in Hydroponic Systems: A Study on Barley, Triticale, and Fodder Pea

In arid and semiarid regions, animal production faces challenges like insufficient rainfall and limited land for fodder crops, leading to feed shortages. This study assessed the effects of cereal/legume combinations and harvesting times on the yield and nutrition of barley, triticale, and fodder pea in hydroponic systems. Our findings have unveiled the superior forage production and enhanced nutrient improvements associated with cereal/legume mixtures. For instance, the combination of barley and fodder peas resulted in the production of 5.55–8.5 kg of hydroponic forage per kilogram of dry seeds within a growth period of 7–10 days, compared to 4.7–5.9 kg of green forage per kilogram of barley dry seeds. These mixtures exhibited significantly higher levels of crude protein compared to cereal monocultures (barley and triticale). On day seven of growth, cereal/legume mixtures had very high dry matter values (22.20% for barley/fodder pea) compared to cereal monocultures (19.6% for barley). There were significant differences among dates of harvesting and yield-related components of all crops. Cereal/legume mixtures, particularly barley and fodder peas, significantly outperformed cereal monocultures in both yield and nutrition. On day seven, the barley/fodder pea mixture had a dry matter value of 22.20%, versus 19.6% for barley alone. Harvesting 7 days post-sowing offers optimal forage growth and nutritional value. After 10 days, there is a notable decline in protein and dry matter yield.