Berseem (Trifolium alexandrium):
- It is indigenous crop of Egypt.
- Annual leguminous fodder mainly cultivated in autumn season and harvested in winter.
- It is also known as ‘king of fodder’.
Climate and Altitude:
- Can be sown in 15-27°C, harvested at 15-20°C
- It can be cultivated from terai (59m asl) to high hills (1500m asl)
Soil type:
- Sandy loam type of soil is suitable.
- It can be grown in all soils except sandy soils.
Land preparation:
- Land is ploughed 2-3 times to get fine suitable soil.
- Small size beds and plots are made after plowing
- Beds are then flooded with water to about 5cm of water level. Berseem seed soaked in water overnight are broadcasted in standing water.
- Half dose of urea, full dose of phosphorus, and full dose of potash are applied during land preparation.
- Remaining half dose of urea are applied after first cutting of crop.
Seed rate: 20-25 kg/ha
Sowing season: Ashwin- Kartik (Sept-Oct)
Fertilizer dose:
- Urea: 20-25 kg/ha
- Phosphorus: 50-60 kg/ha
- Potash: 25 kg/ha
- Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 10 MT/ha
Method of sowing: By broadcasting
Irrigation:
- Frequent irrigation required
- 1st irrigation done when plant get 8-10 cm height in dry field
- Then after 20 days’ interval, 2nd irrigation is done.
Harvesting Time: 50-60 days after sowing
Production:
- Grass production: 70-80 MT/ha
- Seed production: 400-750 kg/ha
Varieties: Vardan, Mekabasi, BL22, UPB 103, Pusagiant
Nutrient Content:
- DM- 20.50%
- CP- 14.4-26.17%
- Minerals- 9.41-17.65%
- Ca- 1.24-2.13%
- P- 0.14-0.57%