A long-term field study (2015-16 to 2019-20) was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, Punjab, India, to evaluate the effects of cyclic and alternate irrigation with canal and saline water on fodder productivity, soil health, and forage quality in berseem-sorghum and ryegrass-sorghum rotations. Six various combinations of good quality and saline water were tested: W-C, 1 W-C - 1 W-S, 1 W-C - 2 W-S, 2 W-S - 1Wc,1W(C) - W-SS and W-S. Continuous saline irrigation significantly reduced green fodder yield, crude protein concentration, and soil quality, while accelerating soil salinity buildup. In contrast, cyclic irrigation regimes, particularly alternate canal and saline water (1 W-C - 1 W-S), consistently restricted salt accumulation within root zone and stabilized crop performance. Forage quality improvements were evidenced by higher crude protein and moderated fiber fractions, indicating superior digestibility and feed value. Soil electrical conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio of surface soil (0-15) were substantially lower under cyclic irrigation, confirming improved soil chemical functioning. Inclusion of berseem in rotation further strengthened system resilience by enhancing subsequent sorghum productivity and farm profitability. Overall, the 1 W-C-1 W-S strategy sustained fodder yield and quality relative to saline water while markedly reducing freshwater dependence. Thus, cyclic irrigation integrated with legume-based fodder rotation represents a practical scalable solution.