The Influence of Seeding Rate on Plant Population, Yield and Quality of Two Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Varieties
The Influence of Seeding Rate on Plant Population, Yield and Quality of Two Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Varieties

Author: Madhat M. Al-Hassani

Publisher:

Published: 1965

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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A field study was conducted in the Willamette Valley near Corvallis, Oregon, to determine the influence of seedling rate, drill row spacing, grass association, and variety on the yield of dry matter and quality (crude protein content and leafiness) of alfalfa. Treatments included seeding rates of 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 pounds per acre in various combinations with row spacings of 3, 6 and 12 inches. Orchardgrass (Dactvlis glomerata L.) was included tn three treatments. Complete data were obtained for three harvests and yield data only for an aftermath harvest. Alfalfa varieties were Vernal and DuPuits. Plant population and stem numbers per unit area increased with increasing seeding rates and with closer row spacing, but stem size, dry weight of the stems, leafiness and crude protein were not affected by seeding rate or row spacing. Grass grown in association with alfalfa did not influence any of the characteristics studied except for an increase in stem size at second harvest and increased protein content of the alfalfa at first harvest. Vernal and DuPuits yielded the same weight of dry material for the season. Vernal maintained a higher plant population, more stems per square foot at each harvest and a higher percentage of leaves than DuPuits. Stem size and weight and crude protein content of whole plants was higher in DuPuits than in Vernal. Both varieties decreased in yield, plant population, stem size and stem weight with each successive cutting. Stem number per square foot and per plant increased with each successive cutting. It was concluded that seedling rates from 7.5 to 20 pounds per acre and row spacings up to 12 inches had very little influence on quantity and quality of alfalfa hay production.

The Influence of Cutting Treatments on Yield and Quality of Two Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Varieties
The Influence of Cutting Treatments on Yield and Quality of Two Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Varieties

Author: David Contreras

Publisher:

Published: 1965

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13:

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A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of cutting treatments on the yield and quality of non-irrigated alfalfa in western Oregon. Spring clipping treatments included (1) not clipped, (2) clipped when 6 inches high and (3) clipped when 12 inches high. The hay harvest criteria were (1) near full light interception by the vegetative canopy, (2) crown bud stage and (3) one-tenth bloom stage. Combinations of these criteria included first hay harvest based on light interception followed by either of the other criteria at subsequent harvests, and first harvest based on crown bud development in combination with one-tenth bloom criterion for subsequent harvest. Two alfalfa varieties, Vernal and Du Puits, were subjected to each of the 18 treatments (6 x 3 in all combinations). Results of one growing season indicated that the influence of spring clipping was not reflected in yield of dry matter (hay) except at the relatively small third harvest when spring clipping showed a deleterious effect. The yields obtained by the spring clipping were sufficient to offset the reduction at the third hay harvest. It was observed that the total yields for the season did not differ. Cutting at the one-tenth bloom stage showed an advantage in yield but with a greatly reduced crude protein percentage. Cutting on the basis of nearly complete light interception resulted in harvest at an immature stage in early May and at a very mature stage in late season. Highest yields, with leafiness and crude protein suitable for high quality hay, were obtained by cutting at the crown bud stage throughout the season, or by taking the first harvest on the basis of light interception and subsequent harvests on the basis of either crown buds or one-tenth bloom. The varieties produced approximately the same total for the season. Vernal was slightly leafier than Du Puits at the second and third hay harvests. A highly significant negative correlation was found between yield of dry matter and percentage protein and between yield of dry matter and leaf-stem ratio. The correlation between percentage protein and leaf-stem ratio was significant and positive.

Establishment Method and Seeding Date Effects on Alfalfa Yield and Quality
Establishment Method and Seeding Date Effects on Alfalfa Yield and Quality

Author: Michael Dean Hoy

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13:

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Weed control during alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment is a primary concern of Midwest forage producers. Companion crops, such as oat (Avena sativa L.), have been used for alfalfa establishment to increase first year forage yields and decrease weed pressure and erosion risk. Using herbicides to establish alfalfa without a companion crop has also been effective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate eight establishment methods and determine their influence on dry matter production, botanical composition and herbage quality during the establishment year and the year following establishment.