Forage Production of Birdsfoot Trefoil‐Orchardgrass as Affected by Cutting Schedules¹

Abstract

B IRDSFOOT trefoil has gained popularity as a permanent pasture legume. Also it has had limited use as a hay crop (4). Some workers have found that birdsfoot trefoil can tolerate more severe cutting schedules than certain other legumes (2). The extent to which birdsfoot can tolerate severe management might well be affected by the competitive nature of an associated grass (4). Generally considered less competitive than other legumes, birdsfoot trefoil is commonly seeded with less vigorous grasses such as timothy or Kentucky bluegrass (3). In Ohio, timothy and Kentucky bluegrass, which are commonly used with trefoil, do not produce adequately during summer months. Orchardgrass, which may grow vigorously throughout the season, is a severe competitor and is generally not recommended for use with birdsfoot trefoil. Late maturing strains of Orchardgrass, while fully as vigorous in summer growth, are less vigorous in early spring than are common strains of Orchardgrass (5). For this reason late-blooming strains of Orchardgrass should be less competitive than common strains.

Genetic variation and response to selection for legume-compatibility traits in orchardgrass

“…Decreased spring canopy height and later maturity of orchardgrass were also associated with increased blrdsfoot trefoil yield in mixtures. Parsons and Davis (1961) found a similar relationship between maturity of orchardgrass and yield of blrdsfoot trefoil. This research indicated that orchardgrass populations can be selected for differential compatibility with birdsfoot trefoil.…”

“…At each harvest, the yield of blrdsfoot trefoil was greater when grown in association with the less-aggressive ML population than when grown in association with the aggressive ME population (Figure 3). Parsons and Davis (1961) also found that blrdsfoot trefoil production was proportionately higher when a later-maturing, less-vigorous orchardgrass cultivar was used in the mixture. It is Interesting to note that for the orchardgrass compatibility traits determined in mixtures, ME and ML differed significantly only for leaf length and width.…”

“…Grass percentage of mixtures was negatively 2 related to birdsfoot trefoil yields each year (r =0.70). Parsons and Davis (1961) found that birdsfoot trefoil production was proportionately higher with a later maturing, less vigorous orchardgrass cultivar used in the mixture. Rotili and Zannone (1970) studied intensively the performance of alfalfa, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.…”

“…Similarly, Jones (1986) found that tiller density was the more important reed canarygrass yield component and also exhibited a greater competitive effect against legumes than tiller weight. Parsons and Davis (1961) (Jung and Baker, 1983;Grant and Marten, 1985). Increased sensitivity to low temperature of one component in a mixture will likely confer a competitive advantage to the other component.…”

“…They concluded that tall fescue genotypes can be selected for morphological characters that allow improved compatibility with a legume such as birdsfoot trefoil. Similarly,Jones (1986) found that tiller density was the more important reed canarygrass yield component and also exhibited a greater competitive effect against legumes than tiller weight Parsons and Davis (1961). observed that late maturing strains of orchardgrass were less vigorous in early spring growth, equally vigorous in summer growth and more compatible with birdsfoot trefoil than common strains.…”