Improving the performance of forage legumes through the use of optimal symbiotic partners using the example of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)

The performance of legumes strongly depends on the effectiveness of the associated symbiotic partners. For sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), contradictory data on nitrogen fixation performance can be found in the literature. In general, however, it is said to have too low a nitrogen-fixing capacity. This is one of the reasons why the legume is given little consideration in today’s agricultural landscape, although it is associated with a number of positive properties. In ruminants it ensures a high feed intake, it is not bloating and has an anthelmintic effect. Due to its deep root system, it is very well adapted to dry sites and at the same time improves the soil. Due to its long flowering period (May to September), it attracts a large number of pollinators, which is also reflected in a very high honey yield. In this project, the optimal symbiotic partners for sainfoin are to be identified and evaluated, thus increasing the attractiveness of reintroducing sainfoin into the crop rotation.