The effect of stage and height of cutting on Lucerne

Abstract

The effect of stage and height of cutting on the herbage yield of irrigated lucerne was investigated over four years at the Dohne Research Institute. Five cutting stages were used, namely when the lucerne was 12, 24 and 36 cm high as well as at 10% and full bloom stages. Each stage was harvested at four cutting (stubble) heights, namely at ground level and 4, 8 and 12 cm above ground level. The herbage yield increased markedly with stage of development and reached a maximum at the 10% and full bloom stages with the former producing the better quality herbage. Cutting heights from 0 to 8 cm above ground level did not materially affect the yield when cut each time the crop became 24 cm tall or at later stages of development. The 12 cm cutting height reduced the yield at the 36 cm tall and full bloom stages. UITTREKSEL Die invloed van snystadiums en-hoogtes op die hooi-opbrengs van besproeide lusern is oor vier jaar op die Dohne-navorsingsinstituut ondersoek. Die lusern is gesny wanneer hoogtes van 12, 24 en 36 cm bereik is asook op die 10% blom en vol blom-stadium. Die gewas is elke keer op vier hoogtesafgesny naamlik op die grond en 4, 8 en 12 cm bo die grondoppervlakte. Die hooi-opbrengs was opvallend hoër namate die gewas op 'n latere groeistadium gesny is. Opbrengs was die hoogste by die 10% en volblomstadia met die beste kwaliteit voer verkry op eersgenoemde snystadium. Snyhoogtes van 0 tot 8 cm bo grondoppervlakte het die opbrengs nie merkbaar beïnvloed wanneer die gewas op 'n 24 cm hoogte of latere stadium gesny is nie. Die 12 cm snyhoogte het die opbrengs verlaag by die 36 cm en volblom -stadia.

Defoliation management affects performance of alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures in the southeastern United States

“…These results are similar to those from a study assessing CI levels of 20, 30, and 40 days for alfalfa monocultures, which found the CI of 40 days (∼6 weeks) had greater FA than the other CIs (İbrahim et al., 2019). In another study evaluating an alfalfa monoculture harvested at different CI and SH treatment levels (Birch et al., 1975), longer CI provided greater alfalfa FA and the tallest SH (12 cm) reduced FA relative to short SH, similar to what was seen in our study. Additionally, alfalfa FA was generally greater for Cycle 1 than Cycles 2 or 3 (Figure 4).…”

Structure of a Lucerne Population (Medicago sativa L.) and Dynamics of Stem Competition for Light During Regrowth

“…This is confirmed by experiments on cutting heights which have shown that, at low heights of cut, slow stem emergence limited the rate of the regrowth (Leach 1968;Birch, Cumming & Muzzell 1975). Nevertheless, they can play an important role owing to their rapid emergence after cutting, at a time when the development of leaf area is the main factor limiting growth.…”

Optimal harvest timing vs. harvesting for animal forage supply: Impacts on production and quality of lucerne on the Loess Plateau, China

“…Birch et al . () found that cutting heights from 0‐ to 80‐mm above ground level did not materially affect the yield when cut each time the crop became 24cm tall or at later stages of development. Leach () found no effect of increasing the cutting height above 20 mm on biomass yield measured 2 and 4 weeks after cutting.…”

“…Farmers tend to harvest by hand with knives and scythes, which requires the lucerne to be cut at ground level, well below the height of mechanical harvesting (typically 50 mm). Evidence from other studies suggests that cutting height has little effect on lucerne production (Ridgman, ; Leach, ; Birch et al ., ; Yolcu et al ., ). The move to mechanized harvesting is occurring in some districts, and compared with traditional cutting management, may lead to fewer cuts per growing season and higher cutting heights.…”