4. • Scientific name “TRIFOLIAM RESUPINATUM”
• Common name “SHAFTAL”
• Family “LEGUMINSOAE”
5. The shaftal plant is native to south asia.
In Europe, it was cultivated as an ornamental plant for many
years.
Now, it occupies a significant position as a fodder crop in Egypt
& Iran.
In Pakistan, shaftal is also relatively new fodder crop. It appears
to have been introduced 1910-15 in Lahore region.
6. It is a multicut crop.
It is a good soil builder.
It can be grown in open range lands for
grazing.
It contains 16.3% proteins, 30.8% crude
fiber and traces of calcium, phosphorous &
other minerals.
7. If the fodder is fed alone in excess, it
causes indigestion in cattle.
Therefore, it should be chopped &
and mixed with wheat straw.
8. It requires cool & moist weather
condition for good growth.
Well-drained, light to heavy loam
soils are best for growth.
9. A fine seedbed is prepared by giving
3 or 4 cultivation, each followed by
planking.
12- 16 kg/ha
10. Seed is usually sown
by broadcasting in standing water.
Or on a moist seedbed covered slightly with soil.
OCTOBER –mid NOVEMBER.
11. Generally, this crop is not fertilized, but 2 and half bags of DAP per
hectare is recommended to increase yield.
The first irrigation should be given 8-10 days after planting.
The subsequent irrigation should be given at 20-25 days intervals.
12. Shaftal can be cut 4 to 5 times during DECEMBER-MAY
No interculture & weeding is done with this crop.
13. Yield varies from 750-1000kg/ha.
This crop usually remains safe from pests & diseases & no
great loss in fodder yield occurs because of them.
