Publication Date
1993
Description
Public opposition and legislative actions have restricted the practice of open-field burning of grass seed fields in Western Oregon's Willamette Valley. Finding economically acceptable alternatives to straw residue removal has become a priority for valley grass seed growers. Trials using 4 residue management practices were established on 2 commercial fine fescue (Festuca rubra) seed fields. Seed yields varied significantly between residue management practices. Seed yields from thermal-treated plots were equal or significantly greater than yields from the non-thermal treatments. Fertile tiller number was also greater with thermal treatments. Most fine fescue fields produce 4-6 seed crops before replanting, thus the long-term effect of the various treatments is the focus of this study. Results of this study will help growers decide which straw removal practices to use if burning is eliminated.
Citation
Gingrich, Gale A.; Young, William C. III; and Silberstein, Thomas B., "Effect of Post-Harvest Management Practices on Seed Yields on Fine-Leaf Fescue" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 37.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session45/37
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effect of Post-Harvest Management Practices on Seed Yields on Fine-Leaf Fescue
Public opposition and legislative actions have restricted the practice of open-field burning of grass seed fields in Western Oregon's Willamette Valley. Finding economically acceptable alternatives to straw residue removal has become a priority for valley grass seed growers. Trials using 4 residue management practices were established on 2 commercial fine fescue (Festuca rubra) seed fields. Seed yields varied significantly between residue management practices. Seed yields from thermal-treated plots were equal or significantly greater than yields from the non-thermal treatments. Fertile tiller number was also greater with thermal treatments. Most fine fescue fields produce 4-6 seed crops before replanting, thus the long-term effect of the various treatments is the focus of this study. Results of this study will help growers decide which straw removal practices to use if burning is eliminated.
