Yield Dynamics of Canopy Components in Alfalfa‐Grass Mixtures

Abstract

Relationships between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and associated grasses in a plant community are complex. A concern has developed whether alfalfa was, in fact, benefiting from grass association. A field study was conducted to describe the changes in canopy components of alfalfa‐reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and alfalfa‐orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) mixtures. Alfalfa‐grass mixtures of one row of grass between two rows of alfalfa and one row of alfalfa between two rows of grass were planted in a repeating pattern. Monocultures of each species and four binary mixtures were sampled for total, alfalfa and grass component, and stratified alfalfa yields were measured at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 d of spring and summer regrowth for 2 yr. Planting pattern, grass species and season of growth affected botanical composition and yield of alfalfa‐grass mixtures. Alfalfa‐grass mixtures yielded more than alfalfa monocultures during only one spring growth cycle. During summer regrowth, alfalfa‐grass mixtures were less productive than alfalfa monocultures. In spring, reed canarygrass accounted for a greater proportion of the total yield than orchardgrass, whereas the two grasses were similar during summer. Grass yields of mixtures were not affected by alfalfa association. The results of this study suggest that alfalfa‐grass mixtures offer little yield advantage over alfalfa monocultures when harvested as hay.

Assessment of surface and injection fertilization on various grass hybrids in grass-clover mixture

“…Moreover, the production of dry matter throughout the year is balanced; grasses yield more in spring whereas clover crops produce more dry matter in summer (Mooso and Wedin 1990). Clover crops have a higher content of protein than grass (Evans et al 1996, Gökkus et al 1999); yet, their duration in the mixture is lower as compared to grass (Hejduk and Knot 2010).…”

The effect of supplemental concentrate feed on live weight gain of yearling heifers over grazing season in subirrigated rangelands of East Anatolia

“…Conversely, summer dormancy began in grasses due to increasing temperature and moisture deficiency in the root zone. Legumes, with their large root system, can obtain moisture and still achieve sustainable yield compared to cool-season grasses during warm summer weather (23,24). Therefore, considerable increases in allowed forage were observed in the rangeland from the beginning to the middle of July in this experiment.…”

Enhanced quality fodder production through grass-legume intercropping under arid eco-system of Kachchh, Gujarat

“…The yields are always higher in mixtures of grass and legume because of more efficient resource utilization (Koc et al, 2013), allopathic effects (Pudnam and Duke, 1978), and transfer of symbiotically nitrogen to grasses (Giambalvo, et al, 2011). Moreover, dry matter production is more balanced (Giambalvo, et al, 2011;Koc et al 2013) in grass-legume intercropping as grasses are more productive in spring and legumes are productive mostly in summer (Mooso and Wedin, 1990). The more erected leaves of grasses versus more horizontal spread of legumes reduce any inter-species plant competition (Mooso and Wedin, 1990).…”

“…Moreover, dry matter production is more balanced (Giambalvo, et al, 2011;Koc et al 2013) in grass-legume intercropping as grasses are more productive in spring and legumes are productive mostly in summer (Mooso and Wedin, 1990). The more erected leaves of grasses versus more horizontal spread of legumes reduce any inter-species plant competition (Mooso and Wedin, 1990). Therefore, looking into the problems and constraints of the region, and findings of earlier researchers as cited above, experiments on grasses-legumes intercropping with the objectives to identify most productive grass-legume intercropping system and quality fodder were undertaken.…”