Optimizing crop geometry and cutting height for enhancing yield, quality, and energy use efficiency in perennial forage moringa (Moringa oleifera) production

To optimize the agronomic practices for Moringa oleifera production as a perennial forage crop experiments were conducted at ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom for three consecutive years (2021 to 2023). The study focused on evaluating the effects of three crop geometries (30 cm × 15 cm, 45 cm × 15 cm, and 60 cm × 15 cm) and four cutting heights (15, 30, 45, and 60 cm) on dry fodder yield, fodder quality, and energy use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Results showed that among the crop geometries, the 30 cm × 15 cm spacing produced the highest dry fodder yield (44.75 t /ha), total crude protein yield (8356 kg/ha), net energy returns (605146 MJ/ha), energy productivity (0.79 kg/MJ) and energy profitability (10.66). Among the cutting heights, harvesting at 30 cm from ground level resulted in the highest dry fodder yield (43.01 t/ha), total crude protein yield (7567 kg/ha), net energy returns (579828 MJ/ha), energy productivity (0.76 kg/MJ) and energy profitability (10.28). However, the values for 30 cm and 45 cm cutting heights were statistically comparable across these parameters. It inferred that both cutting heights are equally effective for optimizing yield and energy efficiency in moringa forage production.