Comparison of the production performance and economic benefits of three different forage planting models in the alpine grazing area of Gannan

To understand the production performance and economic benefits of three different forage planting models in the alpine grazing area of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, five planting models (autumn seeding triticale intercropped with vetch, 50% spring seeding triticale mixed with 50% vetch, autumn seeding triticale, spring seeding vetch, and oats) were used. Parameters, including the fresh weight, hay yield, nutritive value (crude protein content, acid detergent fiber content, and neutral detergent fiber content), economic benefits, and soil nutrient contents, were determined. The results showed that the treatments of autumn seeding triticale intercropped with vetch and 50% spring triticale mixed with 50% vetch, obtained hay yields of 14.06 and 12.31 t·ha^–1, respectively, which was significantly higher than those of the other planting models (P < 0.05). Their net incomes were 6 286 and 11 011 CNY·ha^–1, respectively. In addition, these two planting models can significantly improve the soil total nitrogen content, and can be used as efficient planting models in the Gannan alpine pastoral area.