Introduction of mixed planting systems of dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) and indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) to support sheep production in Banten Province

This study was aimed to determine the yield performance of and farmers’ responses to mixed planting systems of Dwarf Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) and Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana). The study was conducted in the Serang District of Banten Province. Seven fodder planting systems were performed, namely P1(1 row of DE grass + 1 row of Indigofera), P2 (2 rows of DE grass + 1 row of Indigofera), P3 (2 rows of DE grass + 2 rows of Indigofera), P4 (3 rows of DE grass + 1 row of Indigofera), P5 (3 rows of DE grass + 2 rows of Indigofera), P6 (DE grass monoculture), and P7 (Indigofera monoculture). Data were collected by direct observations of agronomic performances, while interviews were performed to gather farmers’ responses regarding the planting systems. The agronomic data were analyzed for variance (ANOVA) and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The farmers’ preferences data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The P5 gave a high growth performance and yield, e.g., a) the height of DE grass and Indigofera were 148.22±32.79 cm and 197.33±19.56 cm, respectively and b) the fodder yield of DE grass and Indigofera were 18.55 ± 8.34 ton/ha and 6.83 ± 2.09 ton/ha, respectively. Farmers’ responses to the mixed planting systems were higher than the monoculture systems being 81.93% and 51.93%, respectively. In conclusion, the mixed fodder planting system has the potential to be developed as a solution to provide high-quality fodder.