Effect of lock up and harvest dates on dairy pasture dry matter yield and quality for silage in south-western Victoria

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
S. E. Rigby ◽  
F. R. McKenzie ◽  
G. N. Ward ◽  
G. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Harvest Date ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
L1 And L2

Summary. At 2 sites in south-western Victoria, 132 plots of predominantly perennial ryegrass pasture were randomly allocated, within 4 replicate blocks, to each of 3 lock up dates (L1, L2, L3) by 12, 12 or 9 harvest times. Harvesting commenced 2 weeks after initial treatment lock up with L1 and L2 being harvested 12 times (weekly intervals) and L3, 9 times. Lock up dates were 15 August (L1), 5 September (L2) and 26 September (L3) at site 1 and 17 August (L1), 7 September (L2) and 28 September (L3) at site 2. For each treatment and harvest date, dry matter yield and botanical composition were determined and samples of total pasture and the ryegrass fraction were collected and assessed for dry matter digestibility, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre. Dry matter yield was measured from the start of L1 (site 1, 15 August; site 2, 17 August) until the final harvest date of L3 (site 1, 12 December; site 2, 14 December). At site 1, L3 produced higher dry matter yields than L1 and L2 at comparable lengths of lock up time, whilst there were no differences at site 2. Over the total experimental period (site 1, 15 August–12 December; site 2, 17 August–14 December) there were no differences in total dry matter yield (t/ha) between treatments at either site (site 1—L1 5.79, L2 6.43, L3 5.94; site 2—L1 6.68, L2 5.07, L3 5.73). Treatments had little effect on botanical composition at either site when compared at the same time after lock up, both during the harvesting period or in the subsequent autumn. Pasture metabolisable energy and crude protein all declined with increasing length of lock up whilst neutral detergent fibre content increased, changes which were similar for both the total pasture and the ryegrass fraction. The metabolisable energy of pasture in L1 and L2 was higher than that of L3 at least until week 8 at both sites. Initial crude protein values were higher for L1 and L2 than for L3 at site 1, whilst at site 2, L1 had higher values than either L2 or L3. Although longer lock up periods produced more herbage, if conserving forage is to be an integral component of managing surplus spring pasture, then dairy farmers should aim to produce high quality pasture for forage conservation. This will be achieved through shorter lock up periods and harvesting pasture no later than early ear emergence in the ryegrass fraction of the sward. This management will reduce dry matter yields, but allow more flexibility for maintaining intensive grazing practices through the spring period. The decision about when to lock up pasture will depend on both plant growth rates and animal feed requirements.

A survey on the effect of establishment techniques, crop management, moisture availability and soil type on turnip dry matter yields and nutritive characteristics in western Victoria

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 743 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
G. N. Ward ◽  
A. M. McDowell ◽  
G. A. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Insect Damage ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Cultivation Method ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Seedbed Preparation ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Soil Temperature And Moisture

Factors associated with turnip dry matter yield, metabolisable energy and crude protein were investigated in 266 turnip forage crops on 142 dairy farms in south-western Victoria during spring 1999 and summer 2000. Factors measured were primary cultivation method, secondary cultivation method, soil texture, soil temperature and moisture at sowing, seedbed preparation, turnip variety, sowing method, sowing rate, rolling post-sowing, harrowing post-sowing, seedling establishment, insect damage, water received, phosphorus and nitrogen application. The average date for the commencement of seedbed preparation was early October, although the range was from mid-March until mid-December. Sowing dates ranged from mid-September to mid-December, with an average of mid-October. The most common turnip variety sown was Barkant, followed by Mammoth Purple Top, Vollenda and Rondo. Growing periods ranged from 8 to 23 weeks, with the majority of crops grazed from 8 to 15 weeks. The average dry matter yield was about 5 t DM/ha, with values ranging from 0.4 to 19.2 t DM/ha. The average metabolisable energy content of turnips was 13.7 MJ/kg DM with values ranging from 11.3 to 14.6 MJ/kg DM. The metabolisable energy of roots was on average higher than the leaf component of the plants (14 v. 13.5 MJ/kg DM). Conversely, crude protein content of leaves (15.4%) was higher than in the root fraction (13.9%). The average neutral detergent fibre content of turnips was 22.5% with values ranging from 16.9 to 30.5%. The water-soluble carbohydrate content of the leaf component ranged from 1.1 to 26.8% with an average of 14.7%, while starch content of the root component ranged from 0.3 to 38.8% with an average content of 16.9%. The average cost of growing a turnip crop was $485/ha or $133 t DM. Total, leaf and root dry matter yield as well as metabolisable energy and crude protein were analysed by a mixed effects model (with factors fixed and farms and paddocks random). Factors that were associated with total dry matter yield were total water received, soil temperature and moisture at sowing, seedling density, method of secondary cultivation, soil type and insect damage. The application of nitrogen fertiliser had the greatest association with turnip crude protein content. In conclusion the findings of this study indicate potential ways to increase the dry matter yield of turnips grown in south-western Victoria. Given the current average dry matter yields and cost of growing turnips, purchasing cereal grain may be a viable alternative. An increase in average dry matter yield would make the choice of growing turnips as a feed for lactating dairy cows a more profitable option.

Effects of perennial ryegrass cultivar, duration of lock up and nitrogen fertiliser application on dairy pasture dry matter yield and quality for silage in south-western Victoria

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
F. R. McKenzie ◽  
G. N. Ward ◽  
G. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
The Other ◽  
Harvest Date ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
N Application ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Western Victoria

A study in south-western Victoria determined effects of 3 perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars (Vedette, Impact and Nevis) with differing maturities, duration of lock up and nitrogen (N) application on the dry matter yield and nutritive characteristics of pasture for silage. Treatments were cultivar (3), N (0 and 50 kg N/ha) and duration of lock up (5–10 weeks) arranged in a completely randomised design in 3 by 5 m plots replicated 3 times. Plots were mown to a uniform height (5 cm) on 14 September 1998 (first day of lock up) and 1 week later N was applied as urea (46% N) at either 0 or 50 kg N/ha to the respective plots. Weekly sampling commenced on 19 October (week 5 of lock up), and continued until 23 November. For each treatment and harvest date, dry matter yield and botanical composition were determined, and samples of total pasture and the ryegrass fraction were collected and chemically analysed for dry matter digestibility, concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, water-soluble carbohydrates and minerals. Metabolisable energy was derived from dry matter digestibility. All pasture types were predominantly ryegrass (>90%) with no differences in the nutritive characteristics of total pasture swards or the respective ryegrass fraction. Nitrogen at 50 kg N/ha significantly (P<0.05) increased dry matter yield for all cultivars. Metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM) of the pasture declined with time for all treatments, with Vedette having a significantly (P<0.05) greater rate of decline than the other cultivars. Vedette reached early ear emergence about 3 weeks earlier (week 7) than the other cultivars. The harvestable metabolisable energy yield (MJ/ha) at ear emergence was highest for Impact, followed by Nevis and Vedette. In conclusion, there is potential to use later-maturing cultivars of ryegrass in south-eastern Australia to allow for later harvesting of forage for silage, while maintaining metabolisable energy and maximising dry matter yields. Furthermore, the use of N fertiliser can also increase dry matter yields without impinging on pasture quality provided the time between N application and harvest date does not exceed 5–6 weeks.

Effect of nitrogen fertiliser application and length of lock up on dairy pasture dry matter yield and quality for silage in south-western Victoria

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
F. R. McKenzie ◽  
S. E. Rigby ◽  
G. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Stocking Rates

Summary. This study aimed to define the effect of differing rates of nitrogen application and lock up length on harvested material for silage in south-western Victoria. At 2 sites in south-western Victoria, 140, 3 by 2 m plots of predominantly perennial ryegrass pasture were randomly allocated, within 4 replicate blocks. Five nitrogen fertiliser rates (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 kg N/ha) in combination with 7 lock up lengths were randomly allocated to the 35 plots within each replicate. Nitrogen was applied 1 week after initial lock up (September 10, site 1; September 12, site 2) and harvesting commenced 3 weeks after initial lock up. For each treatment and harvest date, dry matter yield and botanical composition were determined and samples of total pasture and the ryegrass fraction were collected and chemically analysed for dry matter digestibility, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, water-soluble carbohydrates and mineral content. Metabolisable energy was derived from dry matter digestibility. Increasing rates of nitrogen increased herbage dry matter yield regardless of length of lock up. The yield response was greatest 8 weeks after initial lock up at both sites (site 1, 26 kg DM/kg N; site 2, 14.9 kg DM/kg N). Subsequent regrowth of pasture was increased by nitrogen application over shorter lock up lengths (weeks 3 and 4). Botanical composition was unaffected by treatment during the harvesting period or in the subsequent autumn. Application of nitrogen gave rise to a linear increase in pasture metabolisable energy and crude protein content at both sites until week 5. Thereafter, this response diminished and by week 8 there was a decrease in metabolisable energy and crude protein content. Neutral detergent fibre content was relatively unaffected by nitrogen application until week 8 of the study, at which point there was a linear increase. Application of nitrogen reduced the water-soluble carbohydrate content of pastures throughout the sampling period. It is concluded that application of nitrogen to a mixed sward locked up for silage can increase dry matter yield and, provided pasture is harvested before ryegrass ear emergence, can also have a positive effect on metabolisable energy and crude protein. Given that the decision for removing paddocks from the grazing rotation is based upon pasture growth and stocking rates, the use of nitrogen fertilisers on higher stocked farms could lead to increased dry matter yield over shorter lock up periods. On farms with lower stocking rates shorter lock up periods may allow for pastures to be returned to the grazing rotation earlier, or provide the opportunity for a second harvest of pasture for silage.

Effects of superphosphate application and cutting interval on native pastures in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales

1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (94) ◽  
pp. 718 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Garden ◽  
DR Brooks ◽  
J Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
New South ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Cutting Interval ◽  
Native Pastures

The effects of superphosphate rate (nil; 250 kg ha-l initial with 125 kg ha-1 maintenance; and 500 kg ha-1 initial with 250 kg ha-1 maintenance) and cutting interval (2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks) on dry matter yield, growth rate, botanical composition and chemical composition of native pastures on a sandstone soil in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales were studied over a period of three years. Mean annual dry matter yield of unfertilized native pasture was 990 kg ha-l and this was increased to 1322 kg ha-1 at the higher rate of superphosphate. Dry matter yield was depressed from 1587 to 647 kg ha-1 by decreasing cutting interval from 8 weeks to 2 weeks. Pasture growth was limited to the September to May period and 87 per cent of the total annual production occurred in summer and autumn. Maximum growth occurred in the February/March period, with 16.2 kg ha-1 day-1 being the maximum recorded for the unfertilized pasture and 19.9 kg ha-1 day-1 for pasture at the higher rate of superphosphate. Changes in botanical composition were neither large nor consistent. Phosphorus content of the native pasture averaged 0.12 per cent. Crude protein content averaged 7.4 per cent, with levels in standing herbage in winter-spring falling to 3 per cent. Phosphorus yield was 1.1 kg ha-1 year-1 and crude protein yield was 65.8 kg ha-1 year-1. Superphosphate increased phosphorus content and yield, and crude protein yield. Increasing cutting interval decreased phosphorus and crude protein contents but increased phosphorus and crude protein yields by its effect on dry matter yield. Maximum yields obtained were 3.3 kg ha-1 year-1 phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 year-1 crude protein. It was concluded that the increases obtained would be insufficient to produce worthwhile improvements in animal production, and that an increase in the legume content of these pastures is required before this could occur.

Nitrogen fertiliser effects on nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass during late autumn, and mid- and late winter in western Victoria

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
F. R. McKenzie ◽  
G. A. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Metabolisable Energy

A study determined the effects of differing rates of nitrogen fertiliser [0 (N0), 25 (N1), 50 (N2) and 75�kg N/ha (N3)] during late autumn (T1) and mid- (T2) and late (T3) winter on the nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass over a 28-day period after each application. All nitrogen applications were made to pastures with a post-grazed residual mass (dry matter) of 1400 kg/ha. Changes in metabolisable energy followed similar patterns for all treatments within a given period. Metabolisable energy was highest in T1, ranging from 11.8 to 13.1 MJ/kg dry matter, followed by T2 (11.5-12.3 MJ/kg dry matter) and T3 (10.6-11.5 MJ/kg dry matter). Changes in crude protein for all treatments at each application time were similar, irrespective of rate of nitrogen application. At the commencement of treatment application times, the existing crude protein content (%DM) was highest in N3 (T1�19, T2 23, T3 22), followed by N2 (T1 18, T2 21, T3 21), N1 (T1 17, T2 20, T3 20) and N0 (T1 16, T2 17, T3 18). During both T1 and T2, neutral detergent fibre content decreased by 4 percentage units and increased by a similar amount during T3. Generally, neutral detergent fibre content (%DM) was highest during T3 (53-58%), followed by T2 (45-54%) and T1 (43-49%). Water-soluble carbohydrate content (%DM) increased during all treatment periods with the highest level observed during T1 (18-31%) followed by T2 (3-14%) and T3 (1-6%). Nitrate content (measured as nitrate-nitrogen) decreased throughout T1, primarily due to dry conditions, while during T2, levels for N3 and N2 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than for N1 and N0 following nitrogen fertiliser application. During T3, nitrate content increased for all treatments throughout the 28-day period, with highest nitrate levels being observed during T3. The effect of applied nitrogen on mineral content was variable within and across treatment periods. The study indicates that nitrogen fertiliser did not affect metabolisable (apart from N3 elevating metabolisable energy during T3), neutral detergent fibre or water-soluble carbohydrate contents of perennial ryegrass during the 28 days after nitrogen application, but increased crude protein content. Also, nitrogen fertiliser elevated nitrate content in perennial ryegrass. While the elevated nitrate content observed may result in subclinical effects, these levels are not considered fatal for dairy cows. Crude protein content was generally above 20% of dry matter throughout the study and close to 30% of dry matter for short periods during T2. Minimising the effect of excess nitrogen ingested by the grazing animal may require appropriate supplementation of low crude protein containing feeds such as cereal grains. It is argued that the effects of rain and temperature, which impact on soil nitrogen mineralisation, may have a greater influence on perennial ryegrass nitrate content than nitrogen fertiliser.

A survey on the effect of management techniques and pasture composition and quality at harvesting on silage quality on dairy farms in western Victoria

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Mechanical Treatment ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Silage Quality ◽  
Western Victoria

Summary. Factors associated with silage quality were investigated on 140 dairy farms in western Victoria. The management factors measured were date of lock up, date cut, length of lock up, duration of wilting, raking and tedding during wilting period, rainfall during wilting period and the type of silage made. Pasture variables measured at harvesting included percentage composition (ryegrass, legume, other grasses and weeds), dry matter of pasture, metabolisable energy, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and water-soluble carbohydrate of the pasture, and dry matter yield of the pasture. The average lock up time of pasture for silage was mid September, although the range was from late July to early November. The length of lock up varied from 16 to 91 days with a mean value of 49 days and pastures were on average harvested in early November. Ryegrass on average accounted for 61%, legumes and other grasses accounting for a further 15% each and weeds about 5%. The range in quality of pasture at harvesting was highlighted by the range in metabolisable energy (8.9–11.3 MJ/kg DM) and crude protein (10.2–20.4%) values. Wilting times varied from 0.5 to 15 days with the biggest range being observed in pastures used for baled silage. All factors were regressed against final silage metabolisable energy and crude protein. Factors which had the greatest effect on final silage metabolisable energy were date of cutting, length of lock up, type of silage, the interaction between type of silage and length of lock up, length of wilting and mechanical treatment during the wilting period. Final silage crude protein was most strongly associated with date of cutting, crude protein content of the pasture and mechanical treatment during the wilting period. Mechanical treatment during the wilting period had the greatest influence on silage quality. Other options to improve silage quality such as cutting earlier or reducing wilting periods may not be possible or economically viable.

scholarly journals Vicia narbonensis-Avena strigosa mixture, a viable alternative in rainfed cropping systems under Mediterranean conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0905
Author(s):  
Verónica Pedraza ◽  
Francisco Perea ◽  
Milagros Saavedra ◽  
Mariano Fuentes ◽  
Cristina Alcántara
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Vicia Narbonensis ◽  
Avena Strigosa ◽  
Mediterranean Conditions

The demand of vegetable protein for animal feed and the need to diversify the crop rotation in rainfed Mediterranean climates has led to study the viability as new forage crop of the Vicia narbonensis-Avena strigosa mixture. Therefore, a 3-year field trial was conducted at two different and representative locations of the area to evaluate the capacity of both species to form a balanced mixture and to define its potential for high yield and forage quality. Different seeding ratios (65:35, 50:50 and 35:65) were compared with their pure stands and the standard mixture Avena sativa-Vicia sativa (65:35). Forage mixtures establishment and growth varied according to the environmental conditions with a negative influence of a dry year 1 for legumes (<300 mm) and a wet year 2 for oats (>630 mm). However, competition ratio indicated that there were not significant differences between mixed treatments, displaying intermediate ground coverage values, dry matter yield and crude protein regarding pure stands. Higher dry matter yield than control mixture in addition to similar crude protein, acid-detergent fibre, neutral-detergent fibre and digestible dry matter values, were produced at 35:65 in dry years and 65:35 and 50:50 in rainy years with loamy and clay soils, respectively. The appropriate development of both species in the mixture at different soil and rainfall conditions, as well as a good yield often higher than control mixture and a great forage quality, confirm to the narbon bean-black oat mixture as a viable and profitable crop alternative in rainfed cropping systems under Mediterranean conditions.

Optimum harvest date of maize for biogas and silage purposes

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
G. Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Vegetation Period ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Harvest Date ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Vegetative Organs

The dry matter and moisture contents of the aboveground vegetative organs and kernels of four maize hybrids were studied in Martonvásár at five harvest dates, with four replications per hybrid. The dry matter yield per hectare of the kernels and other plant organs were investigated in order to obtain data on the optimum date of harvest for the purposes of biogas and silage production.It was found that the dry mass of the aboveground vegetative organs, both individually and in total, did not increase after silking. During the last third of the ripening period, however, a significant reduction in the dry matter content was sometimes observed as a function of the length of the vegetation period. The data suggest that, with the exception of extreme weather conditions or an extremely long vegetation period, the maximum dry matter yield could be expected to range from 22–42%, depending on the vegetation period of the variety. The harvest date should be chosen to give a kernel moisture content of above 35% for biogas production and below 35% for silage production. In this phenophase most varieties mature when the stalks are still green, so it is unlikely that transport costs can be reduced by waiting for the vegetative mass to dry.

Supplementation of grazing dairy cows with a brewers grains/treated straw mixture

1990 ◽  
Vol 1990 ◽  
pp. 46-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.D. Leaver ◽  
R.C. Campling
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows ◽  
Similar Cost ◽  
Friesian Cows

Supplementary feeding of grazing dairy cows is often uneconomic, and whilst supplementation with silage (buffer feeding) can be worthwhile, this often leads to a depletion of winter forage stores. In this study, a mixture of brewers grains and treated straw was used as a supplement. Offered as a 1:1 mixture in the dry matter (DM), it is a purchased substitute for grass silage, having a similar cost, and similar metabolisable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) contents. The high seasonality adjustments to milk price in mid-late season make supplementation potentially worthwhile.Experiments were carried out from April to September in 1988 and 1989, which had moderate and very low rainfall respectively. Each year 20 British Friesian cows which calved December to March (1988 experiment) and February-April (1989) were allocated at random to either treatment B or C. In B, the cows were offered a 1:1 mixture (DM basis) of brewers grains and NaOH treated chopped barley straw for 60 minutes after morning milking. In C, the cows received no supplement. Both groups were fed 1.0 kg/day of concentrates in the milking parlour. Due to the severe drought in 1989, concentrate feeding was increased to 5.0 kg/day for all cows during the last 4 weeks of the experiment. Also, urea-treated whole crop wheat was fed at a level of 2.5 kg DM/day during the last 7 days.

Influence of irrigation intervals on dry matter yield, concentration of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus in Lablab purpureus and Sorghum almum fodder in the sudan savanna zone of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-286
Author(s):  
I.R. Muhammad ◽  
B. Abdullahi ◽  
A.K. Mohammed ◽  
R.J Tanko ◽  
M.S. Kallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Lablab Purpureus ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Irrigation Interval ◽  
Sudan Savanna ◽  
Mean Concentration

Irrigation trials were conducted in the late dry season (March to June) with Lublab (Lablab purpureus) and Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria. The objective of this study was to determine the dry matter yield (IDM/ha), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus(P) in dual-purpose lablab bean and Sorghum almum at 3 irrigation schedules (5, 7 and 10 days irrigation interval). The results obtained showed dry matter yield in lablab increased (P<0.05) and varied from 1.7 to 11.7 IDM/ha. Calcium and P concentrations differed significantly (P<0.05). Mean CP for the lablab was 15.57%. Dry matter yield obtained for Sorghum almum varied (P<0.05) from 11.07 to 19.6 tDM/ha. Concentration of CP and Ca rose and declined thereafter with a mean concentration of 9.86% for CP und 0.08% for Ca while P declined consistently (P<0.05). Intervals of irrigation days had a relationship (P<0.05) with DM/ha, Ca and P in lablab. The increasing trend in foruye yield with increased irrigation interval showed optimum irrigation interval was not attained. It is therefore recommended that longer irrigation intervals be tried to determine the optimum irrigation interval after which forage yield would be depressed due to moisture stress. From the results of the present study Sorghum almum and lablab would be grown successfully at a 10-day irrigation interval. 

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