Effect of Bioinoculants and Biostimulants on Fodder Yield, Proximate Composition and Fibre Fractions of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)
Abstract
Background: Bioinoculants and biostimulants are gaining importance as sustainable approaches for improving fodder productivity and nutritive quality in forage crops. Their integration with organic nutrient sources may enhance nutrient availability, plant growth and forage quality. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bioinoculants and biostimulants on fodder yield, proximate composition and fibre fractions of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Agronomy Research Farm of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute in a randomized block design with six treatments and six replications. Result: Among the treatments, PGPR + 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM + three foliar sprays of Panchagavya recorded the highest green fodder yields of 57.0 and 58.5 t ha-1 and dry fodder yields of 7.6 and 8.1 t ha-1 during 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively, over the absolute control. The treatment also significantly improved dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total ash contents while reducing acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin contents. The findings indicated that integrated application of PGPR, FYM and Panchagavya is an effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for improving fodder productivity and nutritive quality of berseem under organic production conditions.