Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.) would provide high quality pasture in animal production systems. The influence of grazing alfalfa with sheep in early spring or in summer on regrowth characteristics, weed encroachment, and subsequent yields was investigated during two years and on hay yields during year 3 with no grazing imposed. Alfalfa was grazed in spring for 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks at two grazing pressures: light (LAI of 1.0) and heavy (LAI< 0.5). Non-grazed alfalfa was harvested at late bud stage. Regrowth on all systems was harvested at 1/10 bloom. Grazing for 6 weeks reduced subsequent hay yield only in year 2. Heavy grazing pressure increased weed encroachment but weeds were effectively controlled with herbicides. Few residual effects were measurable in year 3. Another planting of alfalfa was grazed in summer following two hay cuts by five systems: 1), 2), and 3) grazed about 14 days after second hay cut for 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively; 4) grazed at early bud stage for 7-10 days; 5) grazed at early bloom for 7 days. For system 6, alfalfa was not grazed and hay was cut at 1/10 bloom. Following grazing, hay was cutif regrowth reached 1/10 bloom stage. Grazing for 2, 4, and 6 weeks linearly decreased fall regrowth and increased weed encroachment. In year 3, yield was reduced by grazing except at early bloom but differences were slight by August. Weed encroachment tended to increase with grazing duration. These data indicate that alfalfa is more tolerant of grazing in spring than summer. If weeds are controlled, extended grazing durations appear possible.
Citation
Allen, V G.; Wolf, D D.; and Fontenot, J P., "Yield and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep in Spring and Summer" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 43.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/43)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Yield and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep in Spring and Summer
Kyoto Japan
Grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.) would provide high quality pasture in animal production systems. The influence of grazing alfalfa with sheep in early spring or in summer on regrowth characteristics, weed encroachment, and subsequent yields was investigated during two years and on hay yields during year 3 with no grazing imposed. Alfalfa was grazed in spring for 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks at two grazing pressures: light (LAI of 1.0) and heavy (LAI< 0.5). Non-grazed alfalfa was harvested at late bud stage. Regrowth on all systems was harvested at 1/10 bloom. Grazing for 6 weeks reduced subsequent hay yield only in year 2. Heavy grazing pressure increased weed encroachment but weeds were effectively controlled with herbicides. Few residual effects were measurable in year 3. Another planting of alfalfa was grazed in summer following two hay cuts by five systems: 1), 2), and 3) grazed about 14 days after second hay cut for 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively; 4) grazed at early bud stage for 7-10 days; 5) grazed at early bloom for 7 days. For system 6, alfalfa was not grazed and hay was cut at 1/10 bloom. Following grazing, hay was cutif regrowth reached 1/10 bloom stage. Grazing for 2, 4, and 6 weeks linearly decreased fall regrowth and increased weed encroachment. In year 3, yield was reduced by grazing except at early bloom but differences were slight by August. Weed encroachment tended to increase with grazing duration. These data indicate that alfalfa is more tolerant of grazing in spring than summer. If weeds are controlled, extended grazing durations appear possible.
