The effect of late autumn cutting of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) on the growth rhythm of the first cut in the following year

Abstract

The field experiment aimed at determination of influence of autumn harvest on rhythm of the growth of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and yield quality of the first cut in the following year was carried out in Spodnji Gabernik (258 m above sea level, 46º15'54.94'' N and 15º34'6.05'' E), in the fourth growth year of the lucerne variety 'Soča'. The experiment was designed as a randomized block in four replications. The individual treatments represented weekly autumn cuttings (1) 24/9/2014, (2) 01/10/2014, (3) 08/10/2014, (4) 15/10/2014 and (5) 22/10/2014. The paper presents data associated with the amount of lucerne dry matter yield (DMY) per treatment compared with the DMY of the first spring cut in the year 2015 (18/05/2015). The growth rhythm of lucerne in each treatment, which took place before the first cut in year 2015, was based on the measurements of the height of the plants. The yield quality was evaluated by NIRS method for determination of crude protein (CP), the net energy of lactation (NEL) and metabolic energy (ME) in dry samples regarding to DMY of each treatment. In autumn 2014, statistically significant higher dry matter yields were obtained in later harvested treatments (5 and 4). Similarly, in spring 2015 the trend of higher crop dry matter yield was observed in treatments harvested later in the autumn of 2014. However, the differences were not significant. Statistically significant differences between treatments were acquired within CPY, NELY and MEY. Before the first mowing, in spring 2015, statistically significant trend of higher plants was also detected in treatments with later cutting in 2014.Key words: lucerne, Medicago sativa, cutting regime, growth rhythm, dry matter yield Agricultura 13: No 1-2: 87-95 (2016) ABSTRACT e placement of a theme park in the form of a Zen garden, as a business opportunity in the Slovenian rural area, is discussed. e design of the garden, with all the major points of a standard business plan, is accurately presented, with a description of the business, branch, and services, market analysis, marketing strategy, nancial projections, and a plan of the work and activities. e nancial aspect is presented as the amount of investment, net present value, and internal rate of return. e amount of investment is estimated at €14.891, which should be reimbursed within 4 years of operations. e estimated internal rate of return is estimated at 16.86%. Part of the study is the market analysis -conduction of a survey into knowledge of, and interest in, Zen and Zen gardens. e principles of landscape ecology are respected, as the Zen garden would be set in the woods and will blend seamlessly into the landscape.