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.

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.

Effects of Cutting Schedule on Quality and Yield of 'higher Quality' Alfalfa Cultivars in a Mediterranean Environment
Effects of Cutting Schedule on Quality and Yield of 'higher Quality' Alfalfa Cultivars in a Mediterranean Environment

Author: Brenda Perez

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Producing high yields of dairy-quality alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay is largely hindered by the increased levels of lignin and low fiber digestibility as the crop matures. Specific higher quality varieties tested here have the potential to increase yields unhindered by the penalty in quality that typically occurs with late maturity. Studies were conducted in Davis and Parlier, CA in 2017-2019 in irrigated trials using a split-plot design with harvest schedules as main plots and varieties as sub-plots utilizing semi- dormant (Fall Dormancy 6) and non-dormant (FD 8-9) lines. Long cutting intervals (37 to 40 d) resulted in significantly higher yields than a 'normal' schedule (28-29 d), indicating the yield reward for delayed cuttings. Higher quality varieties harvested under a longer cutting interval yielded 13 to 15% higher and had similar NDFD levels to conventional varieties cut under a normal cutting schedule. The results from this study demonstrate the potential of new higher quality alfalfa varieties in a Mediterranean environment as a potential tool for delaying harvests, increasing yields, while maintaining high digestibility (NDFD) without the dramatic increase in fiber and lower digestibility that typically accompanies late harvests.

Alfalfa Cutting Management in the Columbia Basin
Alfalfa Cutting Management in the Columbia Basin

Author: Donald Lee Suttner

Publisher:

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13:

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Field studies to determine appropriate cutting management regimes consistent with yield, quality, and persistence of stand were conducted on several alfalfa varieties in the Columbia Basin region of Oregon. Two groups of treatments, including consecutive cuts at the same stage of maturity and cuts made at varying maturities, were imposed on Anchor, Apex, and Washoe. The first group consisted of tenth bloom with and without fall cutting and full bud all season. The next group contained early or pre-bud followed by tenth bloom, full bud followed by tenth bloom, and tenth bloom followed by full bud. The varieties, N-102, Saranac, and Vernal, were subjected to three and four cuts per season which corresponded to intervals of 44 and 35 days, respectively. Results with Anchor over a two year period indicated consistently high yields of dry matter and protein using a full bud followed by tenth bloom schedule. Full bud all season or early bud followed by tenth bloom offered increased protein concentration at some sacrifice in dry matter yield. Treatments effected only small differences in stand density. The variety Apex underwent rapid stand decline during the course of the studies. When persistence is not an overriding consideration, full bud all season afforded increased protein content without appreciable loss in dry matter yield in comparison with most other treatments. Treatments displayed little differential effect on stand density. Dry matter yield of Washoe was unaffected by treatments imposed. Full bud all season and immature followed by tenth bloom resulted in increased protein concentration. Differential effects evoked by treatments on stand density early in the experiment had essentially dissipated at its conclusion. The varieties, N-102, Saranac, and Vernal, gave increased protein content with more frequent cutting without significant change in dry matter yield.