Importance, status and prospects of annual forage crops in agro-ecological conditions of Serbia

The importance of annual forage crops with respect to yield, quality agronomy and environment-friendly production as well, has been taken into consideration. In recent trends in plant production such as sustainable agriculture and organic farming, annual forage crops became more important and practically non missing link in crop rotation. By growing annual forage crops the application of chemicals (mineral fertilizers and pesticides) are reduced or completely omitted. Hence, the main aim of growing cover crops is protection of agro-ecological system. Annual forage crops are used to design new strategy that preserves farm natural resources while remaining profitable. From that point of view applied agricultural practices should be environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially acceptable. The main benefits of annual forage crops regarded as cover crops are: reduction of fertilizer costs, conservation of soil moisture, reducing of nutrients leaching, improving of soil properties, reducing the needs for pesticides prevention of soil erosion, water quality protection and help safe guard personal health. Benefits vary by location and season, but at least two or three occur with any cover crop. Despite their importance, annual forage crops are grown on small area in the agro-ecological conditions of Serbia.