Forage and economic benefits of Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium) grass-legume intercrops in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Forage grass-legume intercropping is not common in Ethiopia despite its potential to improve forage productivity and farm income. This study evaluated forage mass production and the economic benefits of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium)—one of the few native forage crops in Ethiopia—intercropped with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) at Hulbareg district in the mid-highlands of southern Ethiopia. The field experiment was conducted during the main growing season of 2020 using a randomized complete block design with three treatments; sole desho grass, desho–alfalfa, and desho–greenleaf desmodium intercrops. Results showed that intercropping increased desho herbage yield by 2.5 t ha−1 (up to 63% increase) over the sole desho stand. The economic analysis indicated higher net returns from intercropping system, amounting to US$ 5219 ha−1 for desho-greenleaf desmodium and US$ 3866 ha−1 for desho-alfalfa, compared to US$ 2567 ha−1 for the sole desho grass. Partial land equivalent ratio and income equivalent ratio values of desho exceeded 0.5 in intercrops, indicating yield and income advantages for the grass component under intercropping. Overall, desho-greenleaf desmodium intercropping was identified as the most promising option due to its higher herbage yield, superior economic returns, and lower production costs. The findings suggest that integration of legumes into a desho grass-based fodder system can enhance forage productivity and profitability in the Ethiopian mid-highlands. Further validation under farmers’ conditions is recommended prior to large-scale promotion.

Key words: Desho-legume intercropping, forage mass, partial income equivalent ratio, partial land equivalent ratio, sole desho grass