Abstract
Growing global livestock demand drives the need for efficient forage production systems that optimize productivity within ecological and resource limits. Integrating forage legumes with grasses could enhance soil health, forage yield, and nutritional composition. However, proper quantification of agronomic and short-term soil health benefits of legume-integrated forage cropping systems is limited, specifically in water- and nutrient-limited conditions of arid and semi-arid regions. This study (2021–2024) evaluated forage biomass accumulation, nutritive values, and soil health dynamics with and without alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) interseeding into two bermudagrass (Cynadon spp.) varieties, Wrangler and Cheyenne II, in water- and nutrient-limited conditions of the semi-arid southern High Plains. Results indicated that the bermudagrass Cheyenne II monoculture produced the greatest dry matter forage yield in all years. Bermudagrass–alfalfa mixtures did not receive nitrogen (N) fertilizer, but in most cases, they had similar yields and improved forage nutritional value compared to bermudagrass monocultures. For example, compared to bermudagrass monocultures, the mixtures with alfalfa had 15%–25% greater crude protein, 24%–36% lower neutral detergent fiber, 32%–40% greater relative feed value, and 10%–16% greater relative forage quality. Soil organic carbon (C) and total N at 0- to 30-cm depth were similar across all treatments after 3 years of forage production. Selected soil health indicators monitored in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons showed no differences among treatments. Integrating alfalfa into bermudagrass can enhance forage production efficiency and quality while minimizing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers, promoting a sustainable pathway to forage production in resource-limited conditions.