Positive Role of Silicon Fertilizer on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Genotypes under Salinity Stress Conditions

To assess the yield and forage quality of Berseem genotypes under salinity stress and application of silicone, an experiment was conducted during the cropping years of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot factorial design within a randomized complete block layout with three replications. Salinity stress was imposed at four levels in the main plots (0.5 (control), 2, 4, and 6 dS m–1 NaCl) and in the sub-plots, a combination of Berseem clover genotype at five levels and silicon fertilizer treatment in two levels (no fertilizer as control and 2 L ha–1) were experimented. Severe salinity stress led to a reduction in fresh and dry matter yield, DMD, CP, TDN and RFV of forage. Conversely, salinity stress resulted in an increase in WSC, NDF, ADF, proline and antioxidant enzymes. According to the results, the Alex genotype demonstrated the highest fresh and dry forage yield at 6 dS m–1 salinity levels and without silicon use, and with the application of silicon in the same salinity stress, the Win genotype produced the highest amount of fodder yield. In all genotypes, the quality and quantity of fodder increased with the use of silicon. However, Alex genotypes demonstrated superior forage quality characteristics, including higher RFV, DMI, and CP. Therefore, the use of silicone in areas with water salinity can be a solution to reduce its negative effects on crops. The use of this element in production programs could lead to increased yields and better economic outcomes for farmers in saline areas.