Adaptability of Vicia in the Bashang area of Hebei Province

Varieties of two species of Vicia, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) and common vetch (V. sativa), were evaluated in terms of adaptability to the growing environment of the Bashang area of Hebei Province, China. The plantings consisted of nine varieties, which were assessed in terms of phenology, yield, and nutritional quality over a 2-year study period. The results showed that the growth period of the nine varieties ranged from 91 to 106 days, and all varieties reached full growth. The fresh forage yield and plant height of hairy vetch were significantly higher than in common vetch (P < 0.05); however, the fresh dry weight ratio was significantly lower ( P < 0.05). The average content of water-soluble carbohydrates and relative feed value of hairy vetch were lower than the corresponding values in common vetch. The average values for the content of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber content were all higher than in common vetch. Among the hairy vetch varieties, the dry forage yield of ‘Tukuman’ was significantly higher than in the common vetch varieties ( P < 0.05), the dry forage yield and plant height were 4 016.72 kg·ha ⁻¹ and 102.02 cm, respectively, and the crude protein content was 20.10%, which was relatively high. The relative feeding value of ‘Tukuman’ was 132.23, which was not significantly different from that of common vetch (P > 0.05); however, the nutritional quality of ‘Tukuman’ was superior. This comprehensive evaluation showed that two of the hairy vetch varieties and one of the common vetch varieties are suitable for planting in the Bashang area of Hebei Province; the ‘Tukuman’ variety is the preferred choice for forage. These results provide a theoretical basis for the supplementation of legume forage crops in the Bashang area of Hebei Province.