scholarly journals Effect of variety and cutting interval on yield and proximate composition of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under irrigation in Central Gondar zone, Ethiopia

Author(s):  
Alemu Tarekegn Tiruneh ◽  
Dessalegn Gelaye Amsalu ◽  
Kifetew Kesete Adane

Abstract Background Understanding the relationship between dry matter yield production and forage quality throughout the growing season will help to optimize the cutting intervals between harvests in different Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties. An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of harvest frequency on forage yield and quality of 2 improved cultivars (ILRI-6984 and var. DzF-552) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Western Dembia district over 20 months during 2017 and 2018. Four harvest frequencies (every 30, 40, 50 and 60 days) were compared in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications. The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with four replications. To assess their production potential plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, fresh biomass yield (t ha−1) and dry matter yield (t ha−1) of the forge and its nutrient content were recorded. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) by using the general linear model (GLM) procedure in Statistical Analysis System (SAS) (2003) version 9.1. Results The results revealed that highest forage dry matter yield was recorded for variety ILRI-6984 harvested every 40 days (26.8 t DM ha−1) and for var. DzF-552 when harvested every 60 days (24.1 t DM ha−1) (P<0.001). While crude protein concentration tended to decline as age at harvest increased, there was little consistency in the pattern. Crude protein yields were also inconsistent across treatments but ILRI-6984 harvested every 40 days produced the highest yields (6.5 t ha−1) (P<0.001). Conclusion These preliminary findings need to be confirmed under field conditions on a large scale along with longer-term studies to examine the longevity of the stands at these harvest frequencies. Irregular harvesting based on stage of maturity should be compared with fixed inter-harvest intervals.

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-264
Author(s):  
T. F. Mbahi ◽  
S. Maidadi ◽  
Z. A. Gworgwor ◽  
Y. Danladi

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of growth, biomas yieds and nutritive value of Lablab purpureus, Centrosema pubescens and Mucuna pruriens under rain fed condition in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The field experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with the plot divided into three main plots and replicated three times measuring 5x5m with inter and intra row spacings of 0.5m. The five harvesting stages are 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks, respectively. The growth in height increases with stage of growth and declined with reduction in rainfall. Higher growth were recorded in T3 (3.8 -354.8cm) followed by T2 (2.96-260.20cm) and then T1 (1.50-213.00cm) and the results were presented graphically. The result of the chemical composition of all the legumes showed that the crude protein decreases with stage of growth from weeks 6 -14 (14.40, 12.26, 10.65-10.08, 6.79, 6.49) and ADF and NDF (25.20, 32.15, 27.35-42.13, 40.33, 36.50 and 32.20, 54.45, 47.00- 51.24, 63.53, 66.33), respectively. The biomass yields were significantly different (P<0.05) for all the legumes at different harvesting stages T1 (2744.53-3186.93), T2 (2696.47- 3006.70) and T3 (2843.73-3147.63). It is therefore concluded that legumes could best be harvested between weeks 10 and 12 when the yield and quality are at levels to sustain the animals both for maintenance and production.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 212-219
Author(s):  
Negasu Gamachu ◽  
Gizahu Wekgari

The experiment was conducted at Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center, Western Oromia for two consecutive years, with the objective to identify adaptive, high yielding and disease/pest resistance varieties. Seven varieties were grown as experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with three replications. Analysis revealed that DZ-96 and DZ-123 had maximum percentage of survival rate at one year age 0092 and 0347completely died obtained from in one and two years age.  Days of 50% flowering showed statistically highly significant and Mean performance of plant height trait at different ages and seed yield were also significant (p<0.05). Mean green forage yield and Dry matter yield was not significantly (p<0.05) among treatments. But numerically difference was observed among treatments. Maximum fresh weight and sun-dried dry matter yield (DMY) were 84.43 t ha-1 & 27.64 t ha-1 recorded from DZ- 96 followed by DZ-89 and DZ-123 with 18.91 & 18.36 ton ha-1 of sun dried DMY respectively. The best average seed yielders among the tested varieties were recorded from DZ-96 with 47.25 q ha-1 followed by DZ-89 with 46.84 q ha-1. It is concluded that DZ- 96 and DZ- 89 were better performance varieties which are suitable for use as animal feeds.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Bill Biligetu ◽  
Paul G. Jefferson ◽  
Herbert A. Lardner ◽  
Surya N. Acharya

Condensed tannins in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) improve forage digestion and reduce the risk of ruminant bloat caused by grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the forage dry matter yield (DMY) and persistence of newer sainfoin cultivars in mixtures with alfalfa, and to determine the impact of harvest frequency on the persistence of sainfoin. Sainfoin cultivars ‘AAC Mountainview’, ‘AAC Glenview’, ‘Delaney’, ‘Shoshone’, and six experimental populations were compared with ‘Nova’ and ‘Melrose’ at Lanigan, SK, from 2016 to 2018. Field plots were seeded in either monocultures of sainfoin at 33 kg·ha−1 or sainfoin–‘AC Grazeland’ alfalfa mixtures at 16:9 kg·ha−1 in alternate rows. Forage DMY was greater (P = 0.001) in mixtures than in sainfoin monocultures in all harvests. The proportion of sainfoin in mixtures at Cut 1 declined from 4.1% to 1.3% of total DMY from 2016 to 2018, and 19.0% to 4.8% in Cut 2, which was less than the recommended level to eliminate ruminant bloat risk. A second field trial was established in 2017 to compare responses of ‘AAC Mountainview’, ‘Nova’, and ‘Shoshone’ sainfoin under one-, two- or three-harvest frequencies in 2018 and 2019. The increase of harvest frequency did not reduce sainfoin stand (%). Stand percentage of ‘AAC Mountainview’ (91%) was greater (P = 0.01) than ‘Nova’ sainfoin (62%). Further agronomic studies focusing on weed control in sainfoin stands and the optimum seeding ratios of sainfoin–alfalfa within the Parkland region of Saskatchewan are needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-286
Author(s):  
I.R. Muhammad ◽  
B. Abdullahi ◽  
A.K. Mohammed ◽  
R.J Tanko ◽  
M.S. Kallah ◽  
...  

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. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bambang Suwignyo ◽  
LUKMANA ARIFIN ◽  
NAFIATUL UMAMI ◽  
MUHLISIN MUHLISIN ◽  
BAMBANG SUHARTANTO

Abstract. Suwignyo B, Arifin L, Umami N, Muhlisin, Suhartanto B. 2021. The performance and genetic variation of first and second generation tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Biodiversitas 22: 3265-3270. This study aimed to compare the growth performance, nutrient content, seed viability, and genetic variation of first- and second-generation alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). First and second-generation alfalfa seeds were obtained from the Forage and Pasture Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. First generation alfalfa (F1) seeds were obtained from cross breeding of two different parental alfalfa varieties, namely, Canadian and local. The second-generation (F2) seeds were obtained from plants of the first-generation alfalfa (F1). A randomized design experiment was conducted using the two types of alfalfa (first- and second generation). Alfalfa from Canada as female parent was used as the baseline in the genetic masker test. Seeds were planted in a polybag, watered twice a day, and received 12 hours of daylight and 4 hours of artificial light. Plants were then harvested 8 weeks after planting by cutting the plant canopy. Genetic variation was examined using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) method followed by descriptive analysis. Germination, plant height, dry matter content, organic matter, and crude protein were assessed as variables using a Student’s T-test. Our results showed that germination, plant height, leaf color, and nutrient content (dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein) of the first- and second-generation alfalfa plants were not significantly different. However, the second-generation alfalfa demonstrated better seed viability than the first generation plants, then it can be categorized as a new genotype (tropical alfalfa) based on genetic variation analysis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Abuye Tulu ◽  
Mekonnen Diribsa ◽  
Worku Temesgen

Ten Napier grass genotypes (accessions) were assessed across 3 locations, Bako, Boneya Boshe and Gute, for forage dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) concentration, leaf:stem ratio, nutrient composition and digestibility characteristics during 2016 and 2017. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Mean DM yield was higher for accession ILRI 16804 across all locations followed by ILRI 16801 and ILRI 16800. Leaf:stem ratio, CP concentration and CP and digestible organic matter (OM) yields also varied significantly among genotypes with the highest values obtained for accession ILRI 16804 across all locations, followed by ILRI 16800 and ILRI 16801. Yields of DM, CP and digestible OM and leaf:stem ratio were higher at Boneya Boshe and Gute than at Bako and higher during 2017 than during 2016. The consistently superior performance of ILRI 16804, ILRI 16801 and ILRI 16800 in both years across the 3 sites suggests that these genotypes should be studied further on farms and in differing environments before being recommended for general cultivation in this area. Examining performance with more frequent harvests and feeding studies with livestock would confirm the benefits to be obtained from planting these new accessions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 402-418
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aamir Iqbal ◽  
Asif Iqbal ◽  
Zahoor Ahmad ◽  
Ali Raza ◽  
Junaid Rahim ◽  
...  

In traditional row and strip cowpea-sorghum intercropping systems, cowpea forage yield reduces significantly due to intense competition and dominance of sorghum in acquiring growth resources. This field study evaluated novel mixed strip intercropping systems of forage cowpea and sorghum having different number of crops rows arranged under different spatial arrangements. Cowpea was intercropped with sorghum in 8, 12 and 16 rows strips with row-row spacing of 30, 45 and 60 cm. In each strip, equal number of rows of cowpea and sorghum were maintained. Factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to execute the field trials during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014. Strips having 12 rows and 60 cm row-row spacing positively affected all agronomic variables of cowpea which led to maximum forage yield (22.2 and 23.7 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively) and dry matter biomass (6.63 and 6.94 t ha-1 during 2013 and 2014 respectively). In contrast, 8-rows strips having line spacing of 30 cm outperformed other intercropping systems by yielding the maximum herbage yield and dry matter biomass of sorghum. The intercropping system comprising of 12-rows strips with 60 cm row-row spacing remained superior in recording the maximum crude protein, fats and total ash along with the minimum fiber content of cowpea. In addition, this intercropping system under rest of spatial arrangements also remained unmatched, while 16-rows strips under all planting geometries remained inferior to other intercropping systems. Thus, cowpea intercropping with sorghum in 12-rows strips having 60 cm spacing offers biologically viable solution to improve biomass and forage quality of cowpea in intercropping with sorghum.


Author(s):  
Flávio Henrique Ferreira Gomes ◽  
Frederico Antonio Loureiro Soares ◽  
Marconi Batista Teixeira ◽  
Antonio Evami Cavalcante Sousa ◽  
Edson Cabral da Silva ◽  
...  

The expansion of sugarcane cultivation, especially in areas with low natural soil fertility, such as savannah regions, requires greater efficiency in the application of nutrients, mainly nitrogen (N). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the application of different sources and doses of nitrogen on the dry matter yield and productivity of sugarcane in the plant cane cycle and the residual effect of such application on the first ratoon cycle of sugarcane (var. SP80-1816) cultivated in a dystrophic Red Oxisol. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design analyzed in a factorial scheme of 2 × 4 with three replications. The evaluated factors consisted of two sources of N (ammonium nitrate (AN) and urea (U)) and four doses of N (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1). Samples of the aerial part of the sugarcane were collected. The structural components of the aerial part were separated, and the leaf dry matter (LDM), stalk dry matter (SDM) and dry matter of the aerial part (DMAP) were analyzed. The productivity of stalks (PS) was determined by weighing all stalks present in the useful area of each plot. In the plant cane cycle, AN resulted in greater gains in the SDM and PS of sugarcane than did U. In the first ratoon cycle, a residual effect was observed in response to N application, which showed an increase in SDM and PS. Under the conditions of this study, to achieve a higher PS in both cycles, the application of 180 kg N ha-1 is recommended


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-113
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Simic ◽  
Violeta Mandic ◽  
Savo Vuckovic ◽  
Zorica Bijelic ◽  
Rade Stanisavljevic ◽  
...  

Managing N, P and K inputs in semi-natural meadow production systems is important for achieving maximum yields in livestock farming. The objective of the present study was to estimate the effect of different NPK levels (N0P0K0, N50P50K50, N100P50K50, N100P100K100, N150P100K100 and N200P150K150 kg ha-1 yr-1) on the yield, quality and nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) in a grassland community of Agrostietum capillaris (semi-natural meadow) in western Serbia. The study was conducted during the seasons of 2005-2008. The values of the investigated parameters, except for the unit N uptake, were the highest in 2004/2005 due to favorable climate conditions. The levels of nitrogen significantly increased all of the studied parameters compared to the control treatment, except for unit N uptake. Mineral fertilizers at N200P150K150 provided the highest green forage yield (25.12 t ha-1), dry matter yield (8.12 t ha-1), crude protein yield (876.3 kg ha-1), nitrogen uptake (140.2 kg ha-1) and nitrogen nutrition index (70.2%), and the lowest unit N uptake (0.0022 kg N kg DMY-1). The use of mineral fertilizers increased green forage yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield, increasing fertilizer from lowest to highest rate increased fresh and dry matter yield, as well as protein yield. Based on the results of the study, monitoring of nutrition indices would be necessary in order to increase productivity and economic benefits.


1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas J. Doohan ◽  
Gilles Belanger ◽  
Russ R. King ◽  
Jerry A. Ivany

Fluazifop-P, applied in the spring or fall and pronamide, applied in the fall only, reduced quackgrass infestation in established alfalfa and increased the dry matter yield of alfalfa. Herbicides did not improve alfalfa in vitro digestibility or crude protein content. Average residues of fluazifop-P in alfalfa treated with rates of 0.25 or 0.5 kg ai ha–1, were 0.1 mg kg–1when harvested 280 d after application, and 0.06 mg kg–1when harvested 295 d after application. Average residues in alfalfa harvested 41 and 55 d after application were 0.13 mg kg–1and 0.1 mg kg–1, respectively, with a 0.25 kg ha–1treatment and 0.19 mg kg–1and 0.05 mg kg–1, respectively, with a 0.5 kg ha–1treatment.


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