Abstract

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown In arid and semi-arid regions of the world, farmers with small holding are facing several challenges for growing forage. These challenges include limited availability of light, water, rising temperature, fluctuations in rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. Recent climate changes making arid and semi-arid drylands increasingly vulnerable in low-rainfall areas, leading to concerns about future food security and agricultural sustainability. Mixed pasture of a legume and grass plays a significant role in animal food security and reducing agriculture’s environmental footprints. Furthermore, it promotes environmental sustainability by preserving soil and water resources in changing climatic conditions. We expected that intercropping common vetch ( Vicia sativa L.) with would improve the use of available environmental resources. To test this hypothesis, the plant density of proso-millet ( Panicum miliaceum L.) was lowered in a mixed pasture of common vetch. A two-year experiment was carried out in the field conditions to test how overseeded planting density of common vetch influenced on lower seeding rates of millet photosynthetic account and combative behavior. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO 2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (E), stomatal limitation (Ls) and water use efficiency (WUE) of proso-millet was measured. The results revealed that planting density had significantly influenced the Pn, gs, Ci, E, Ls, and WUE during the daytime (p>0.05), except at the midday, when 25% millet exhibited higher Pn (8.43 [Mmol (CO 2) m -1s -1]), while 75%millet recorded the lowest value (7.38 [Mmol (CO 2) m -1s -1]). Moreover, the various densities of millet imparted significant effects on chlorophyll content (p<0.05). The maximum amount of chlorophyll a, b and (a+b) were 1.16, 0.66 and 1.81mg g -1 FW, respectively, obtained from 75% common vetch; 25% proso-millet, while the minimum amounts of 0.92, 0.43 and 1.35 mg g -1 FW, respectively, were obtained from 100%, 75% and 50% proso-millet seeding rates. The intercropped field had higher aboveground biomass, which was 9710 Kg DM ha -1 in 75%millet, 12050 Kg DM ha -1 in 50%millet, and 12650 Kg DM ha -1 in 25%. The maximum LERs of 4.28, 4.19 and 4.02, respectively, were recorded in 75%, 50%, and 25% millet densities. The competitive ratios of 75% and 25%millet were 4.40 and -3.05, respectively. Notably, 50%millet (0.00 CR) showed equal competitiveness between two crops and therefore could be adapted for efficient environmental resource utilizations and best climate-adaptive management practice.