Search Results (95)

Background/Objectives: Global warming and rising CO₂ concentrations pose significant challenges to plant systems. Amid these pressures, this study contributes to understanding how tropical species respond by simultaneously evaluating reproductive and genetic traits. It specifically investigates the effects of maternal exposure to warming and elevated CO₂ on progeny physiology, genetic diversity, and population structure in Stylosanthes capitata, a resilient forage legume native to Brazil. Methods: Maternal plants were cultivated under controlled treatments, including ambient conditions (control), elevated CO₂ at 600 ppm (eCO₂), elevated temperature at +2 °C (eTE), and their combined exposure (eTEeCO₂), within a Trop-T-FACE field facility (Temperature Free-Air Controlled Enhancement and Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment). Seed traits (seeds per inflorescence, hundred-seed mass, abortion, non-viable seeds, coat color, germination at 32, 40, 71 weeks) and abnormal seedling rates were quantified. Genetic diversity metrics included the average (A) and effective (Ae) number of alleles, observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient (Fis). Population structure was assessed using Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), number of migrants per generation (Nm), and genetic differentiation index (Fst). Two- and three-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate factor effects. Results: Compared to control conditions, warming increased seeds per inflorescence (+46%), reduced abortion (−42.9%), non-viable seeds (−57%), and altered coat color. The germination speed index (GSI +23.5%) and germination rate (Gr +11%) improved with warming; combined treatments decreased germination time (GT −9.6%). Storage preserved germination traits, with warming enhancing performance over time and reducing abnormal seedlings (−54.5%). Conversely, elevated CO₂ shortened GSI in late stages, impairing germination efficiency. Warming reduced Ae (−35%), He (−20%), and raised Fis (maternal 0.50, progeny 0.58), consistent with the species’ mixed mating system; A and Ho were unaffected. Allele frequency shifts suggested selective pressure under eTE. Warming induced slight structure in PCoA, and AMOVA detected 1% (maternal) and 9% (progeny) variation. Fst = 0.06 and Nm = 3.8 imply environmental influence without isolation. Conclusions: Warming significantly shapes seed quality, reproductive success, and genetic diversity in S. capitata. Improved reproduction and germination suggest adaptive advantages, but higher inbreeding and reduced diversity may constrain long-term resilience. The findings underscore the need for genetic monitoring and broader genetic bases in cultivars confronting environmental stressors. Full article

Phosphorus (P) availability is a major constraint on plant growth in many forest ecosystems, yet the strategies by which different tree species acquire and utilize various forms of soil phosphorus remain poorly understood. This study investigated how coexisting tree species with contrasting mycorrhizal types, specifically arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations, respond to different phosphorus forms under field conditions. An in situ root bag experiment was conducted using four phosphorus treatments (control, inorganic, organic, and mixed phosphorus) across four subtropical tree species. A comprehensive set of fine root traits, including morphological, physiological, and mycorrhizal characteristics, was measured to evaluate species-specific phosphorus foraging strategies. The results showed that AM species were more responsive to phosphorus form variation than ECM species, particularly under inorganic and mixed phosphorus treatments. Significant changes in root diameter (RD), root tissue density (RTD), and acid phosphatase activity (RAP) were observed in AM species, often accompanied by higher phosphorus accumulation in fine roots. For example, RD in AM species significantly decreased under the Na₃PO₄ treatment (0.94 mm) compared to the control (1.18 mm), while ECM species showed no significant changes in RD across treatments (1.12–1.18 mm, p > 0.05). RTD in AM species significantly increased under Na₃PO₄ (0.030 g/cm³) and Mixture (0.021 g/cm³) compared to the control (0.012 g/cm³, p < 0.05), whereas ECM species exhibited consistently low RTD values across treatments (0.017–0.020 g/cm³, p > 0.05). RAP in AM species increased significantly under Na₃PO₄ (1812 nmol/g/h) and Mixture (1596 nmol/g/h) relative to the control (1348 nmol/g/h), while ECM species showed limited variation (1286–1550 nmol/g/h, p > 0.05). In contrast, ECM species displayed limited trait variation across treatments, reflecting a more conservative acquisition strategy. In addition, trait correlation analysis revealed stronger coordination among root traits in AM species. And AM species exhibited high variability across treatments, while ECM species maintained consistent trait distributions with limited plasticity. These findings suggest that AM and ECM species adopt fundamentally different phosphorus acquisition strategies. AM species rely on integrated morphological and physiological responses to variable phosphorus conditions, while ECM species maintain stable trait configurations, potentially supported by fungal symbiosis. Such divergence may contribute to functional complementarity and species coexistence in phosphorus-limited subtropical forests. Full article

Monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are the two most common planting methods, with mixed cropping generally demonstrating higher hay yield and superior nutritional quality compared to monoculture. However, research on legume–grass mixed cropping for establishing cultivated pastures in typical sand-fixing vegetation areas of the Mu Us Sandy Land remains scarce. These knowledge gaps have hindered the synergistic integration of forage production and ecological restoration in the region. This study conducted mixed cropping trials in the sand-fixing vegetation zone of the Mu Us Sandy Land using Dahurian wildrye (Elymus dahuricus), Mongolian wheatgrass (Agropyron mongolicum), and Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) to investigate the effects of species combinations and planting ratios on forage productivity and nutritional quality, aiming to determine the optimal planting strategy. Results showed that in the first establishment year, the yield of all mixed cropping systems significantly exceeded that of monocultured Dahurian wildrye and Mongolian wheatgrass. All mixed cropping combinations exhibited land equivalent ratios (LER) and relative yield totals (RYT) below 1, indicating varying degrees of interspecific competition during the first year, with grass species generally demonstrating stronger competitive abilities than legumes. Mixed-cropped forages showed higher crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content compared to monocultures, alongside lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels, suggesting improved relative feed value (RFV). Among the combinations, E₅A₅ and E₆A₄ (5:5 and 6:4 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) achieved higher RFV, with RFV gradually declining as the legume proportion decreased. In conclusion, both monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are viable in the Mu Us Sandy Land’s sand-fixing vegetation areas and the E₅A₅ combination (5:5 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) as having the highest overall score, demonstrating that this mixed cropping ratio optimally balances yield and nutritional quality, making it the recommended planting protocol for the region. This mixed cropping system offers a theoretical foundation for efficiently establishing artificial pastures in the Mu Us Sandy Land, supporting regional pastoral industry development and desertification mitigation. Full article

Monoculture systems depend on high nitrogen (N) fertilisation. Incorporating legumes into forage crops offers a sustainable alternative with agronomic and economic benefits. This study assesses the impact of legumes in fodder systems, evaluating yield, N use efficiency (NUE), and profitability while identifying the best cropping strategy under semi-arid conditions. The experiment, conducted at Herdade da Comenda, Elvas, Portugal, used a split–split-plot randomised block design to analyse N doses, forage species, and irrigation. Economic metrics, including costs, net revenue, return on investment, and risk analysis, were also assessed. Moderate N doses (120 kg ha⁻¹) resulted in significantly higher NUE (15.67 kg kg⁻¹ N) than higher doses (200 kg ha⁻¹), which yield only 1.40 kg kg⁻¹ N (p < 0.05), particularly in mixed fodder crops. Irrigation improved N absorption, crop nutrition, and yield, leading to higher profitability despite increased initial costs. Agronomically, irrigation and N doses influenced yield and nutrient uptake, while no significant differences were observed between different forage crops in terms of yield or NUE. Economically, the irrigated mixed crop showed the highest return on investment (ROI = 247.37 EUR ha⁻¹), whereas ryegrass presented lower financial risk (BE = 2213.24 kg ha⁻¹) due to lower establishment costs. Yield was the strongest predictor of net profit (R² = 0.89). Looking ahead, optimising N management, irrigation strategies, and mixed grass–legume crops will be crucial to maximising economic returns while minimising environmental impacts. Full article

Botanical richness and diversity play crucial roles in regulating ecosystem functions and contribute to the sustainable intensification of perennial grasslands. This approach can be achieved through simultaneous or partial production of grasses in the same field, leading to enhanced productivity, reduced dependence on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, and mitigating effects of edaphoclimatic variations. However, the existing literature predominantly focuses on associations between forage grasses and legumes or annual species. Furthermore, the subject should be explored under tropical conditions and environments, particularly considering the associations among well-managed perennial forage grasses. The interaction among perennial tropical forage grasses presents an alternative for exploration in the tropics, given the vast diversity of species and genotypes available. This review discusses the existing literature on multispecific pastures, elucidating the potential benefits for pastoral ecosystems. The association of perennial tropical forage grasses represents an emerging research area offering strategic opportunities for the sustainable intensification of animal production systems. Mixed pastures may be an economical and ecological alternative and enhance the production and sustainability of forage systems in the tropics. However, challenges persist in selecting plant species to achieve multifunctionality and understanding the underlying mechanisms shaping botanical diversity and productive performance within an association. This review emphasizes that understanding the morphological and agronomic characteristics of species and genotypes intended for cultivation in association is key to grasping the dynamics of competition for aboveground and belowground resources and creating combinations that deliver specific ecosystem services. Full article

Habitat degradation poses a critical threat to the Malabar slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus), yet little is known about its microhabitat requirements in intact forest. In Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, we combined nocturnal trail surveys (337 loris sightings) with plotless sampling of 2830 trees (86 species from 35 families) to characterize both vegetation structure and loris presence. Our results show that lorises occur almost exclusively in mildly degraded wet evergreen and secondary moist deciduous subcanopies, where understory trees and climber networks provide continuous pathways. Individuals are most often encountered at heights of 5–15 m—ascending into higher strata as the night progresses—reflecting a balance between foraging access and predator avoidance. Substrate analysis revealed strong preferences for twigs ≤ 1 cm (36.98%) and small branches 2–5 cm in diameter, oriented obliquely to minimize energetic costs and maintain stability during slow, deliberate arboreal locomotion. Day-sleeping sites were overwhelmingly located within dense tangles of lianas on large-girth trees, where intertwined stems and thorny undergrowth offer concealment from both mammalian and avian predators. Vegetation surveys documented a near-equal mix of evergreen (50.6%) and deciduous (49.4%) species—including 26 endemics (18 restricted to the Western Ghats)—with Aporosa cardiosperma emerging as the most abundant riparian pioneer, suggesting both ecological resilience and potential simplification in fragmented patches. Complementing field observations, our recent habitat-suitability modeling in Aralam indicates that broad-scale climatic and anthropogenic factors—precipitation patterns, elevation, and proximity to roads—are the strongest predictors of loris occupancy, underscoring the interplay between landscape-level processes and microhabitat structure. Together, these findings highlight the imperative of multi-strata forest restoration—planting insect-hosting native trees, maintaining continuous canopy and climber networks, and integrating small “mini-forest” modules—to recreate the structural complexity vital for slender loris conservation and the broader resilience of Western Ghats biodiversity. Full article

Human-caused changes to habitats like forestry practices and traffic noise can negatively influence antipredator and foraging behavior in animals. These behavior patterns are also frequently positively influenced by individuals being part of mixed-species groups. However, we know little about how such human-induced changes impact these behaviors in individuals of mixed-species groups. To address this gap, we examined the effects of mixed-species group composition, traffic noise, and vegetation density on antipredator and foraging behavior. We used feeders to attract mixed-species flocks of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), and white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis). Once we detected a flock at a feeder, we presented a Cooper’s hawk model and recorded flocks’ seed-taking and calling behaviors. Titmice avoided feeders more when hawk models were presented at sites with greater vegetation density. Nuthatches called more quickly with more conspecifics in their flocks, and they tended to take seed more quickly with greater diversity of species in their flocks. We did not detect the effects of physical or social environmental variables on chickadee behavior. Our results reveal individual sensitivity to environmental variation in contexts involving visual predator stimuli. More work is needed to investigate how various predator stimulus modalities affect antipredator behaviors of mixed-species flock members. Full article

Native forests provide forage for grazing animals. We investigated whether native and exotic vegetation promotes the potential animal load (PAL, ind ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) for cattle (Bos taurus, ~700 kg) and sheep (Ovis aries, ~60 kg) in contrasting native forest types and canopy cover (closed, semi-open, open). This study was conducted in Chilean Patagonia (−44° to −49° SL). Vegetation cover (%) and growth habit data (trees, shrubs, forbs, graminoids, ferns, lianas, lichens, and bryophytes) were collected from 374 plots (>5 ha) in different environments: coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi, CO), lenga (N. pumilio, LE), mixed Nothofagus forests (MI), ñirre (N. antarctica, ÑI), evergreen forest (SV), and open land (OL). We combine this data with literature and laboratory analyses (e.g., crude protein, %) to develop PAL values for seasons. Data sampling was evaluated using descriptive analyses and uni- and multi-variate analyses (ANOVA, MCA, GLM). Results showed that closed forests had more native species (~56.6%) compared to open forests (~33.3%), while OL had higher cover of exotic species (~68.6%). LE presented the highest native species cover (~58.0%) and ÑI presented the highest exotic species cover (~53.0%). Closed forests had fewer exotic species than semi-open and open forests, which supported higher cover of native plants (p < 0.01). Forbs were the dominant growth habit in closed forests, while graminoids were dominant in OL (~45.8%). Multivariate analyses showed that LE and CO were associated with lower PAL values, explaining 91.2% variance. GLMs showed that the PAL increased in ÑI and the spring season, with forbs and graminoids having positive effects and shrubs and trees having negative effects (r² = 0.57–0.67). Our analyses also showed that exotic species dominated environment types with a high PAL, particularly during spring and summer, when cover increased. This indicates a trade-off between forage production in forests with exotic plants. Full article

Incorporating temperate legumes is a strategy for increasing nitrogen (N) in tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort, nom. Cons) systems. However, when temperatures are elevated, biological N-fixation (BNF) by temperate legumes is limited. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a warm-season annual legume, may provide greater N input during the warm season. This 2-year study aimed to (1) determine BNF in sunn hemp-tall fescue mixed pastures and (2) determine N transfer from sunn hemp to tall fescue. The experiment included four replicates of two treatments: tall fescue (TF) and tall fescue intercropped with sunn hemp (TF+SH), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Response variables included δ¹⁵N, N derived from the atmosphere (%NDFA), BNF, N concentration, N transferred (%Ntran), N stock, and herbage accumulation (HA). Herbage accumulation was 16% greater in TF+SH compared to TF (p < 0.05). Root mass was 43% greater for TF compared to both species combined in TF+SH (p < 0.05). Herbage N was 40% greater in sunn hemp shoots than tall fescue shoots in TF or TF+SH (p < 0.05). Sunn hemp root N was 34% greater than tall fescue (p < 0.05). NDFA by sunn hemp was 88% and 100% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. BNF by sunn hemp was greater (p < 0.05) in 2018 than in 2017 (53.8 and 44.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). The %Ntran from sunn hemp to tall fescue was 13 and 20% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Interseeding sunn hemp into tall fescue pastures can provide an alternate N source to tall fescue-based forage-livestock systems, increasing herbage accumulation during the summer grazing season. Full article

Mixed sowing of forage grass can reduce soil erosion, improving forage nutritional composition, enhancing grassland productivity, and increasing community stability. It addresses issues faced by sown pasture, including a lack of diversity in planting patterns, low resource utilization efficiency, and poor sustainability. However, the effects of mixed sowing on forage yield and water use efficiency (WUE) vary depending on regional environmental conditions, management practices, and temporal factors. Based on publicly available field experiment data, this study utilized meta-analysis to quantitatively examine the effects of mixed sowing on forage yield and WUE in China. Additionally, a random forest model was employed to analyze the main influencing factors. The results showed that, compared with monoculture, mixed sowing significantly improved forage yield and WUE, with average increases of 58.3% (confidence interval: 44.3–72.3%) and 32.0% (confidence interval: 19.2–44.8%), respectively. Regarding yield, the effect of mixed sowing was the most pronounced in Shaanxi. Optimal conditions included experiments conducted during 2006–2008, annual precipitation of 200–600 mm, soil pH of 4−5, average annual temperature of 10–15 °C, altitudes below 2000 m, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Bromus inermis as the forage combination, two species in the mixture, a legume-to-grass species ratio of 1:1, a total seeding rate of 40–50 kg·ha⁻¹, and mixed sowing in the same row. For WUE, significant effects were observed in Gansu under the following conditions: experiments conducted during 2018–2020, annual precipitation of 400–600 mm, an average annual temperature of 5–10 °C, a soil pH of 8–9, altitudes of 1000–2000 m, oats (Avena sativa) and peas (Pisum sativum) as the forage combination, two species in the mixture, a legume-to-grass species ratio of 1:1, a total seeding rate of <50 kg·ha⁻¹, and mixed sowing in alternate rows. The random forest model indicated that the effects of mixed sowing on forage yield were primarily influenced by annual precipitation, average annual temperature, and experimental region. In contrast, the effects on WUE were mainly determined by forage combination, species type, and the legume-to-grass species ratio. This study provides a reference for enhancing alfalfa productivity and achieving efficient water use. Full article

Mixed legume/grass grasslands are the most significant type of artificial grassland in rain-fed semi-arid regions. Understanding the contributions of legumes and grasses to grassland productivity, as well as the nitrogen-sharing mechanisms between them, is crucial to maintaining the sustainability, stability, and high yield of mixed grasslands. In this study, four commonly used cultivated species were selected: smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Combinations of two and three species of legumes and grasses were established, with monoculture serving as the control. The results revealed that in all the monocultures and mixed grasslands comprising two or three species, the average dry matter yield (DMY) of mowed grasslands in 2017 was significantly higher than in 2018, while the average DMY of grazed summer regrowth in 2018 surpassed that of 2016 and 2017. Over the period from 2016 to 2018, smooth bromegrass and sainfoin gradually dominated the mixed grasslands, while orchardgrass and red clover exhibited a declining abundance. Over time, the ratio and amount of nitrogen (N) fixation in legumes significantly increased in both the monoculture and mixed grasslands. Similarly, the amount of nitrogen (N) received by grasses also increased significantly in mixed grasslands. However, the proportion of nitrogen fixed by legumes remained below 10% in 2016, 20% in 2017, and 30% in 2018. In contrast, nitrogen transfer from legumes to smooth bromegrass was less than 10%, while in orchardgrass, it was even lower, at less than 2%. The interannual variability in dry matter yield (DMY) and nitrogen contribution in the mixed grasslands of rain-fed semi-arid areas is primarily influenced by forage adaptability and average annual precipitation. Increasing the proportion of grazed forage relative to hay in annual forage consumption should be considered, as more extensive grazing can reduce damage from field rodents and provide higher forage quality at lower costs and energy consumption. To maintain grassland productivity, targeted grazing should be carefully planned and implemented. Full article

California sea lion (CSL, Zalophus californianus) abundance has declined in different localities across this species’ Mexican distribution. However, Los Islotes rookery in the southwestern Gulf of California (GoC) deviates from this pattern. It is vital to gather ecological knowledge of this CSL settlement and its surroundings to better understand its population in the GoC. This study aimed to determine the foraging habits of different CSL sex and age classes. Sixty-five CSL samples were collected in Los Islotes and its surroundings for stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N). The data were analyzed using a hierarchical Bayesian model, and isotopic areas were estimated using the SIBER package in R. Our findings evidenced resource partitioning. Adult females had lower δ¹⁵N values than most classes, reflecting the regional ¹⁵N-enrichment of the GoC. Conversely, subadult males showed low δ¹⁵N values, carrying foraging information from the ¹⁵N-depleted Pacific Ocean into the GoC. Adult males presented the highest δ¹⁵N values (after pups), suggesting a higher trophic position than adult females and values corresponding to the GoC. Moreover, juveniles had the most negative δ¹³C values and the largest isotopic areas, indicating offshore foraging habits and a mixed consumption of maternal milk and their first prey. Pups showed the highest mean δ¹⁵N value due to maternal milk consumption, reflecting the mother’s δ¹⁵N value and their enrichment. Our findings suggest that segregation is explained by unique life history traits and a possible strategy to avoid potential competition Full article

Dormant forage is generally understood to be low-quality, but how and why it changes over the dormant season have not been well studied. Therefore, this study evaluated the changes in the forage quality of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) over the course of the dormant season and in response to concurrent environmental conditions. We collected forage samples every 14 days for two consecutive winters in southwestern Montana, USA. Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A suite of environmental metrics was derived from PRISM weather data. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model and the STATICO ordination method. Crude protein and ADF varied throughout the winter across both years, with CP ranging from 1.9–4.0% and ADF from 37–42%. The differences between species were more pronounced and more consistent in CP. The differences between years were more pronounced in ADF and NDF. Relative temperature explained the most variation in forage quality. Crude protein is positively correlated with short-term warmer temperatures, whereas NDF is positively correlated with longer-term warmer temperatures. This demonstrates that forage quality can change over the dormant season and is influenced by winter weather events. Full article

The potential of precision agriculture (PA) in forage and grassland management should be more extensively exploited to meet the increasing global food demand on a sustainable basis. Monitoring biomass yield and quality traits directly impacts the fertilization and irrigation practises and frequency of utilization (cuts) in grasslands. Therefore, the main goal of the review is to examine the techniques for using PA applications to monitor productivity and quality in forage and grasslands. To achieve this, the authors discuss several monitoring technologies for biomass and plant stand characteristics (including quality) that make it possible to adopt digital farming in forages and grassland management. The review provides an overview about mass flow and impact sensors, moisture sensors, remote sensing-based approaches, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and mapping field heterogeneity and promotes decision support systems (DSSs) in this field. At a small scale, advanced sensors such as optical, thermal, and radar sensors mountable on drones; LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging); and hyperspectral imaging techniques can be used for assessing plant and soil characteristics. At a larger scale, we discuss coupling of remote sensing with weather data (synergistic grassland yield modelling), Sentinel-2 data with radiative transfer modelling (RTM), Sentinel-1 backscatter, and Catboost–machine learning methods for digital mapping in terms of precision harvesting and site-specific farming decisions. It is known that the delineation of sward heterogeneity is more difficult in mixed grasslands due to spectral similarity among species. Thanks to Diversity-Interactions models, jointly assessing various species interactions under mixed grasslands is allowed. Further, understanding such complex sward heterogeneity might be feasible by integrating spectral un-mixing techniques such as the super-pixel segmentation technique, multi-level fusion procedure, and combined NIR spectroscopy with neural network models. This review offers a digital option for enhancing yield monitoring systems and implementing PA applications in forages and grassland management. The authors recommend a future research direction for the inclusion of costs and economic returns of digital technologies for precision grasslands and fodder production. Full article

Forage crops can be grown in mixed species cultivation to provide productivity and nutritional benefits. In a three-round field test, two double-cropping systems (DCSs) based on maize and sorghum as the summer forage crop and alfalfa as the preceding winter forage crop were compared. There were comparisons of harvesting and growing time, nutritive value, as well as biomass and nutritional yields. The superiority of the M–A (alfalfa following a preceding crop of maize) was identified as compared with the S–A (alfalfa following a preceding crop of sorghum). Within the M–A, the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination under the late sowing condition (D3) achieved the highest annual biomass production (fresh weight and dry weight). The maize/alfalfa combination achieved significantly higher nutritional yields compared to those of the sorghum/alfalfa combination. The highest yield of crude protein was obtained in the late sowing (D3) condition for the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The highest yield of starch was obtained in the earliest sowing date (D1) in the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The highest yield of crude fat was obtained in the latest sowing date (D3) in the maize Dongdan 1331 (M2)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The study indicated that the winter alfalfa and maize DCS could be a promising strategy to achieve high biomass and nutritional productivity. Full article