Record Details
The seasonal yield, quality, and utilization of Trifolium subterraneum in mixture with festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne in western Oregon
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | The seasonal yield, quality, and utilization of Trifolium subterraneum in mixture with festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne in western Oregon |
| Names |
Sanders, Kenneth D. (Kenneth Dwayne), 1940-
(creator) Hedrick, Donald W. (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1965-05-11 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1965 |
| Abstract | In 1959, a large scale grazing study in western Oregon was initiated to compare the value of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with subclover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) with subclover, and to evaluate common use grazing on them. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the variability of the soils and vegetation on the study area and to compare the seasonal production, botanical composition, quality, and utilization of the two mixtures. Three soil series, ranging from a well drained to a poorly drained silt loam, were found in the study area. All of the pastures had a low phosphorus content, especially those occurring on the poorly drained soil. Comparisons of frequency data between 1953 and 1964 showed a considerable improvement in the subclover stands but little change in the two grasses. Maximum production of ryegrass was 2180 pounds per acre and fescue was 6150 pounds per acre in late June. Subclover reached peak production in early June with 5120 pounds per acre in the ryegrass mixture and only 4390 pounds per acre in the fescue mixture. The total production of the fescue mixture was considerably higher than the ryegrass mixture. Subclover had a higher moisture content than fescue or ryegrass until late June. After June the fescue had a higher content than the ryegrass or subclover, because of its deeper rooting system. Subclover had a higher crude protein content throughout the season than fescue or ryegrass, which were essentially the same. Digestibilities of the two grasses were similar with both declining as the season advanced. Subclover was slightly Iess digestible than the grasses in April but after June it was higher. With an abundance of forage available, cattle and sheep preferred the ryegrass and subclover over the fescue during the spring. Fescue was grazed only when the ryegrass and subclover were either dry or unavailable. It is apparent frorn this study that a better method of determining botanical composition is needed to provide reliable data with a minimum of time. An improved understanding of the autecology of the two mixtures would facilitate their management. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Forage plants -- Oregon |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48089 |
