Theme 02: Grass-Legume Mixtures
Description
The effect of three tillage systems on the number of plants produced and forage production of a pasture the first year of establishment was assessed in this experiment. The components of the pasture were alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb), orchard grass (Dactilys glomerata L), and prairie grass (Bromus unioloides). Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and direct sowing (DS). Sowing was performed with (NI) and without fertilizers (N0) in each treatment. A split-plot experimental design with two repetitions was used, with tillage being the main factor and the fertilization levels the secondary one. Results were subjected to ANOVA while means were compared by the Duncan Test Counts. These were conducted 90 days after sowing to determine the number of emerged alfalfa and grass seedlings. In November, before starting direct grazing, hand cut samples were taken to determine total biomass and also biomass production of each component of the pasture. Total stand plant and grass stand, was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the tillage factor. Forage production of both alfalfa and grass, and total production was higher with conventional tillage (CT) and differed significantly (P < 0.05) from direct sowing (DS). The fertilizing effect and its interaction with the tillage factor was not statistically significant (P < 0.05) for any of the components measured. Results indicate that direct sowing seems to condition grass plant stand and forage production of each of the pasture components in the year of establishment.
Included in
Tillage Systems in the Establishment of Pastures in Argentinian Subhumid Area
The effect of three tillage systems on the number of plants produced and forage production of a pasture the first year of establishment was assessed in this experiment. The components of the pasture were alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb), orchard grass (Dactilys glomerata L), and prairie grass (Bromus unioloides). Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and direct sowing (DS). Sowing was performed with (NI) and without fertilizers (N0) in each treatment. A split-plot experimental design with two repetitions was used, with tillage being the main factor and the fertilization levels the secondary one. Results were subjected to ANOVA while means were compared by the Duncan Test Counts. These were conducted 90 days after sowing to determine the number of emerged alfalfa and grass seedlings. In November, before starting direct grazing, hand cut samples were taken to determine total biomass and also biomass production of each component of the pasture. Total stand plant and grass stand, was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the tillage factor. Forage production of both alfalfa and grass, and total production was higher with conventional tillage (CT) and differed significantly (P < 0.05) from direct sowing (DS). The fertilizing effect and its interaction with the tillage factor was not statistically significant (P < 0.05) for any of the components measured. Results indicate that direct sowing seems to condition grass plant stand and forage production of each of the pasture components in the year of establishment.
