Improving the productivity of fallow land through evaluation and demonstration of legume forages over-sowing

Abstract

The study was conducted to enhance the productivity of fallow land through the demonstration of legume forage over-sowing in the Gerese district of Southern Ethiopia. Common vetch (Vicia sativa), Greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum), and Silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) were tested for their performance in biomass yield, dry matter production, and contribution to pasture cover and species composition. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four treatments, including farmer-practice as acontrol for a replication, and the participant farmer as a replication. Data on biomass, and dry matter yield were analyzed using ANOVA. Results showed that V. sativa significantly outperformed the other treatments, yielding 2.95 t/ha of dry matter and achieving the highest basal cover (75%). Botanical composition after over-sowing showed a significant increase in legume contribution from 3.25% to 28.5% and a reduction in low-palatable weeds from 32.25% to 19.5%, indicating ecological and productivity benefits. Farmers expressed a strong willingness to adopt and recommend legume over-sowing, highlighting its practicality and perceived benefits. The study concludes that legume over-sowing, especially using V. sativa, is an effective, low-cost strategy to improve the productivity of fallow land and improve livestock feed availability in smallholder farmers of the current study area.