Forage yield and nutritive quality of three-years-old calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) under different management options in coconut plantations of Kerala, India

Abstract

Integrating protein rich fodder tree calliandra under existing coconut gardens is a promising option for addressing crude protein deficit in smallholder livestock farms in Kerala, but needs standardization of effective stand management practices for optimizing forage yield and nutritive value from limited land area. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the optimum tree density and pruning interval to maximize production of quality forage from calliandra hedgerows underneath coconut garden, by comparing three levels of tree density (27,777; 22,222 and 17,777 plants ha-1) and three levels of pruning intervals (8, 12 and 16 weeks), laid out in 3 × 3 factorial randomized block design, replicated thrice. The study indicated that the annual fresh fodder yield of intercropped calliandra per hectare of coconut garden increased from 43.44 to 55.40 Mg from lower to higher density classes. The edible forage fraction (12.64 Mg ha-1 yr-1), with leaf and green stem, was also higher for the highest density. Highest fresh edible forage yield (40.16 Mg ha-1 yr-1) was obtained for the medium pruning interval of 12 weeks. Annual crude protein yield from total fodder (3.06 Mg ha-1 yr-1) was highest in the highest density. Maximum annual crude protein yield in leaf (2.17 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and total fodder (2.76 Mg ha-1 yr-1) was reported in 12 weeks pruning interval rather than the shortest or longest cutting intervals. Hence, establishment of calliandra hedgerows underneath coconut plantation with a tree density of 27,777 plants ha-1 and scheduling harvests at interval of 12 weeks can enhance quality forage production and reduce expenses on costly concentrate feeds for profitable dairy farming in Kerala.