Synopsis
Ground cover and sward height can be used to estimate forage production on permanent bluegrass and orchardgrass‐Ladino clover pastures. Ground cover alone can be used to delineate bluegrass pastures of low forage productivity, but by itself is an unreliable yardstick for estimating production on either high producing bluegrass or on orchardgrass‐Ladino clover pastures.
The need to obtain the best compromise between yield and quality has been recognized for years. The object of this study was to evaluate the influence of initial harvest at various growth stages and height of regrowth (all cuttings after initial harvest) at cutting on forage yield and quality of ‘Climax’ timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and ‘Pennlate’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). First growth of these grasses was harvested at each of the following stages: (a) transition (changing of apical meristem from vegetative to reproductive growth), (b) boot, and (c) anthesis. Following each initial harvest stage, regrowth was removed throughout the growing season at each of the following plant heights: 10 to 15 cm, 20 to 25 cm, 30 to 36 cm, 41 to 46 cm, and 51 to 56 cm. This field investigation was conducted during 1970 and 1971 on a fine, loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludults (Murrill series) at the Agronomy Research Farm near Rock Springs, Penn.
Delaying the first harvest of timothy and orchardgrass from the transition to anthesis stage resulted in increased yield and estimated total digestible nutrients (TDN). However, total seasonal regrowth, total TDN of regrowth, total digestible protein, and total digestible protein of regrowth decreased significantly (P≤0.05). Allowing plants of both species to attain heights of 20 to 36 cm, with few exceptions, produced highest total and regrowth forage yield, TDN, and digestible protein. However, frequent removal of regrowth, at a plant height of 10 to 15 cm, resulted in significantly (P≤0.05) lower yields and encouraged weed encroachment. These data indicate first harvest forage removal at the transition stage, followed by regrowth removal each time plants attain a height of 20 to 36 cm results in highest production of quality forage as measured by total seasonal regrowth, total TDN of regrowth and total digestible protein.
Synopsis
Stockpiled pasturage is lower in quality and palatability than that which is produced under rotation grazing management. However, pastures containing a high percentage of birdsfoot trefoil appear to offer some potential for stockpiling until mid‐July in Pennsylvania, Swards containing a high percentage of grass were found to be unsuitable for stockpiling under the conditions of this experiment.
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