A comparative study on narbon vetch and common vetch in the semi-arid region of Setif (Algeria)

Abstract

Algeria has a limited supply of fodder. Traditional methods of raising livestock rely on the exploitation of low-quality rangelands, fallow and natural pastures with forage crops receiving little attention. The population relies on imports to meet its protein needs. Indeed, fodder production is the primary lever for improving livestock nutrition and, as a result, the productivity of the livestock systems in question. It is also crucial to the sustainability of mixed systems that combine plant and animal production. The current study was conducted to evaluate the phenological stages, analyze the performances of fodder yield, grain yield and some of its components and determine the chemical composition of the species Vicia narbonensis L. in comparison with Vicia sativa L. in order to improve the fallow year in the cereal/fallow rotation and develop the marginal lands. Trials were conducted on the plots of FERHAT Abbas University Campus under the rainfed conditions in the semi-arid region of Setif during three growing seasons (2017-2020), using 10 ecotypes of narbon vetch and 2 ecotypes of common vetch (as control ecotypes) in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Significant effects of the ecotype, the year and the ecotype x year interaction were found, as well as a great variability in the phenological stages, agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of the ecotypes studied. A significant positive relationship (p<0.05) was found between grain yield and dry matter yield and a significant negative relationship (p<0.05) was found between full flowering date and dry matter yield and grain yield. It seems that the early flowering ecotypes produce better yields than the late flowering ones in the semi-arid region of Setif.