Selection criteria for forage crops

The selection of forage crops should be made on the basis of the following considerations.

• A forage crop should be well adapted to the agro climatic conditions of the area, where it is to be cultivated.

• Yield – total and seasonal with high percentage of leafiness.

• Ease of establishment / eradication.

• Vigour in growth / re-growth and persistence.

• Palatability with Nutritive value and free from toxic principles

• Resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to stress like drought, flooding, etc.

• Seed production ability

For irrigated areas, under normal conditions, a range of crops and varieties responsive to irrigation and fertilizer application can be selected depending upon climate, type of soil and system of cropping in a particular area.

In high rainfall areas, crops which are resistant to water logged conditions and which can grow in limited illumination period, and have a high rate of transpiration will have to be selected for cultivation.