Comprehensive assessment of productivity and forage value of promising sainfoin (Onobrychis spp.) genotypes in the foothill-steppe zone of Eastern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract Sainfoin (Onobrychis spp.) is a valuable perennial legume forage crop for continental and semi-arid regions, providing high-quality fodder and offering significant agroecological benefits. The aim of this study was to identify high-yielding sainfoin genotypes adapted to the foothill-steppe zone of Eastern Kazakhstan, with dry matter and seed yields exceeding the regional standard by 10-15% while maintaining high forage quality. Field experiments were conducted in 2024-2025 using a four-stage nursery system (collection, breeding, control, and competitive variety trials) on ordinary heavy loamy chernozem soil (pH ≈ 7.0; humus content 3.0-3.4%). The following traits were evaluated: phenological stages, plant density, plant height, leafiness, dry matter yield, seed yield, and crude protein content, in accordance with the methodologies of the State Variety Testing system and the guidelines of the Williams All-Russian Research Institute of Forage Crops. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with calculation of the least significant difference (LSD0.05) at p = 0.05. In the competitive variety trial nursery, genotype No. 2122 demonstrated the highest performance, achieving maximum dry matter yield (6.48 t/ha) and seed yield (1.19t/ha), exceeding the standard by 17.8% and 19.0%, respectively. This genotype was also characterized by the highest crude protein content (17.7%) and high leafiness (46.6%). Economic assessment of seed production revealed an additional profit of 114 000 KZT/ha compared with the standard under equal production costs. Overall, genotype No. 2122 can be recommended for further state variety testing and subsequent introduction into agricultural production under the conditions of Eastern Kazakhstan.