Characterization of the initial production of different seeding mixtures

Abstract

The establishment, seedling vigor and yield at first cut were assessed on 5 seeding mixtures resulting from the combination of one annual or perennial cool-season grass (Avena byzantina cv RLE 115, Lolium multiflorum cv LE 284, Festuca arundinacea cv Tacuabé, Phalaris aquatica cv Urunday y Dactylis glomerata cv Oberón), one or more temperate legumes (Trifolium repens cv Zapicán, Trifolium pratense cv LE 116 y Lotus corniculatus cv San Gabriel) and chicory (Cichorium intybus cv Comercial) in one of the mixtures. Establishment 40 days after sowing was less than 50% of the viable seed sown for all mixtures with the exception of that with L. multiflorum. Seedling vigor for component species within each mixture measured as dry weight of tops and roots was highest for grasses, and among them oats clearly outweighed italian ryegrass and the perennials tall fescue, hardingrass and orchardgrass in both, tops and roots. Among legumes red clover and birdsfoot trefoil were the most and least vigorous species, respectively. First cut yields 80 days after sowing were highest for mixtures with oats and italian ryegrass, with the grass fraction comprising more than 90% of total DM yield. The average yield composition for the remaining 3 mixtures had more than 50% DM contributed by weeds, reflecting the lower competitive ability of perennial grasses and legumes in relation to annual weeds. Sward canopy height was found to be positively associated to total DM yield and that of the pasture fraction, with a higher correlation coefficient for the latter.