THE FORAGE POTENTIAL OF CROTALARIA JUNCEA AND ITS ROLE IN SOIL ENHANCEMENT
Keywords:
Crotalaria juncea, forage crop, soil improvement, nitrogen fixation, pasture productivity, arid regions, sustainable agriculture.Abstract
This study explores the agronomic and ecological benefits of Crotalaria juncea as a forage crop in arid and semi-arid regions. The research was conducted in the Jizzakh region, where the plant's growth dynamics, survival rate, and yield potential were analyzed. The results demonstrate that Crotalaria juncea exhibits high adaptability to dry conditions, with a survival rate of 82–88% and a maximum yield of 19.2 t/ha, significantly surpassing natural pasture productivity. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen enhances soil fertility, making it a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture and livestock feeding. The study highlights the necessity of integrating Crotalaria juncea into pasture improvement programs to address forage shortages and maintain ecological balance.
