Masucci and Serrapica et al._HYDROPONIC BARLEY FORAGE VERSUS MAIZE SILAGE

This dataset contains the primary technical-economic data related to the production of hydroponic barley forage, maize silage, and other conventional forages (i.e. mixed grass and alfalfa) under the typical dairy buffalo farming conditions in southern Italy. The data were used to calculate the energy and water footprints and feed costs associated with a stepwise replacement of maize silage with hydroponic barley forage (no replacement, 50% replacement, and 100% replacement) in the dairy buffalo total mixed ration. For hydroponic forage, the lighting and irrigation parameters used during the indoor production cycle (Table S1), the main energy input and output flows (Table S5), and the direct and indirect production costs (Tables S6 and S7) are summarized. Similarly, for maize and other forage crops, the dry matter and energy outputs (Table S3), the physical flow of materials and their energy and cost equivalents (Table S4), the immobilized energy and the economic value of stationary equipment used in the silage and hay making process (Tables S6 and S7) are reported. Table S3 lists the calculation indices used in the evaluation of energy and water efficiency for feed and milk production. The data are supported by a list of references.