Abstract:
                                      Forage millet, a dual-purpose crop for grain and feed, is characterized by drought tolerance and strong adaptability. To investigate the effects of planting location and seeding rate on its forage yield, quality, and ecological stoichiometry, experiments were conducted in 2023 across Hulunbuir (Inner Mongolia), Dongying (Shandong), and Zhaotong (Yunnan), with seeding densities of 16.5 kg∙hm
−2 and 19.5 kg∙hm
−2. Results indicate that 1) planting location significantly influences forage millet yield and quality. Hulunbuir and Dongying showed higher dry weight, relative feeding value, and net lactation energy compared to Zhaotong, which had higher cellulose content. 2) Crude protein content was positively correlated with relative feeding value, nitrogen-phosphorus content, and P:K ratio, but negatively correlated with cellulose content. Relative feeding value and net lactation energy were also negatively correlated with cellulose content. 3) Soil nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus were positively correlated with yield, crude protein, and relative feeding value, while negatively correlated with neutral detergent cellulose. In summary, forage millet has higher yield and better nutritional quality in Hulunbuir and Dongying areas than in Zhaotong, making it suitable for large-scale cultivation. And in Zhaotong, the yield and quality are relatively low, so it is necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer or improve nutrient utilization efficiency to enhance its yield and quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for the regional planting and quality improvement of forage millet.