Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)
- Introduction
Berseem is a leguminous fodder crop widely grown for green fodder, hay, and silage. It is highly nutritious and supports dairy farming and livestock production.
- Botanical Information
- Botanical name: Trifolium alexandrinum
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Origin: Mediterranean region (Egypt)
- Plant type: Annual legume
- Part used: Leaves and stems (fodder)
- Climatic & Soil Requirements
- Climate: Cool, moist conditions are ideal.
- Temperature: 10–25 °C (can tolerate slight frost)
- Rainfall/Irrigation: 400–500 mm, or irrigated every 15–20 days
- Soil: Loamy to clay loam, well-drained, fertile
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Sensitive to waterlogging.
- Major Producing Areas
- India: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
- Also grown in Egypt, Sudan, and Mediterranean countries
- Varieties
- Gulf berseem: Tall, leafy, high fodder yield
- Common Indian varieties: BL 1, BL 2, BL 22, BL 42
- Tiflberseem: Dwarf variety, early maturity, suitable for cut-and-carry
- Cultivation Practices
Land Preparation
- 2–3 ploughings to fine tilth
- Level the field to avoid waterlogging
Sowing
- Time:
- North India: October–November (Rabi season)
- South India: September–October
- Seed rate: 20–25 kg/ha
- Spacing: Broadcast or line sowing at 30 cm apart
Nutrient Management
- Nitrogen: Not usually required (legume fixes N)
- Phosphorus: 30–40 kg/ha
- Potassium: 20–30 kg/ha
- Micronutrients: Boron may be applied if deficient
Water Management
- Frequent irrigation every 10–15 days during dry spells
- Proper drainage essential to prevent root rot
Intercultural Operations
- Weeding: 2–3 times as needed
- Cutting: First cut at 50–60 days after sowing
- Subsequent cuttings every 25–30 days (multiple harvests in a season)
- Yield
- Green fodder yield: 30–40 t/ha per season
- Dry fodder yield: 6–8 t/ha
- Protein content: 18–25% (excellent for dairy animals)
- Uses & Importance
- Green fodder for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats
- Hay and silage for off-season feed
- Improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation
- Can be intercropped with wheat or barley
