Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
The quality and forage yield of grass/legume associations is higher than in pure grass stands, with comparable nitrogen inputs. During a 180 day growing season, 10 - 15 t/ha of forage dry matter can be produced with less than 150 kg fertilizer nitrogen. Forage from mixed swards has a higher energy and protein content and a better balanced mineral composition. Both the high content of digestible organic matter and the legumes have a positive influence on the dry matter, energy and protein intake of the cows and the amount of milk these can produce therefrom. The decrease in quality with age of a crop is less when it contains legumes. The practical benefit from this is a greater flexibility in time of crop utilization. If the desired botanical composition of grass-legume association can be obtained depends mainly on the seed mixture, the planting conditions, the frequency of utilization and the nitrogen regime. Simple associations are best for leys of short duration Complex mixtures are more advantageous for long-duration meadows or pastures.
Citation
Lehmann, J and Meister, E, "Advantages and Management of Grass-Legume Associations in Forage Production" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 55.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses6/55)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Advantages and Management of Grass-Legume Associations in Forage Production
Kyoto Japan
The quality and forage yield of grass/legume associations is higher than in pure grass stands, with comparable nitrogen inputs. During a 180 day growing season, 10 - 15 t/ha of forage dry matter can be produced with less than 150 kg fertilizer nitrogen. Forage from mixed swards has a higher energy and protein content and a better balanced mineral composition. Both the high content of digestible organic matter and the legumes have a positive influence on the dry matter, energy and protein intake of the cows and the amount of milk these can produce therefrom. The decrease in quality with age of a crop is less when it contains legumes. The practical benefit from this is a greater flexibility in time of crop utilization. If the desired botanical composition of grass-legume association can be obtained depends mainly on the seed mixture, the planting conditions, the frequency of utilization and the nitrogen regime. Simple associations are best for leys of short duration Complex mixtures are more advantageous for long-duration meadows or pastures.
