Record Details
The influence of cutting treatments on yield and quality of two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | The influence of cutting treatments on yield and quality of two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties |
| Names |
Contreras, David
(creator) McGuire, W. S. (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1964-06-05 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1965 |
| Abstract | A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of cutting treatments on the yield and quality of non-irrigated alfalfa in western Oregon. Spring clipping treatments included (1) not clipped, (2) clipped when 6 inches high and (3) clipped when 12 inches high. The hay harvest criteria were (1) near full light interception by the vegetative canopy, (2) crown bud stage and (3) one-tenth bloom stage. Combinations of these criteria included first hay harvest based on light interception followed by either of the other criteria at subsequent harvests, and first harvest based on crown bud development in combination with one-tenth bloom criterion for subsequent harvest. Two alfalfa varieties, Vernal and Du Puits, were subjected to each of the 18 treatments (6 x 3 in all combinations). Results of one growing season indicated that the influence of spring clipping was not reflected in yield of dry matter (hay) except at the relatively small third harvest when spring clipping showed a deleterious effect. The yields obtained by the spring clipping were sufficient to offset the reduction at the third hay harvest. It was observed that the total yields for the season did not differ. Cutting at the one-tenth bloom stage showed an advantage in yield but with a greatly reduced crude protein percentage. Cutting on the basis of nearly complete light interception resulted in harvest at an immature stage in early May and at a very mature stage in late season. Highest yields, with leafiness and crude protein suitable for high quality hay, were obtained by cutting at the crown bud stage throughout the season, or by taking the first harvest on the basis of light interception and subsequent harvests on the basis of either crown buds or one-tenth bloom. The varieties produced approximately the same total for the season. Vernal was slightly leafier than Du Puits at the second and third hay harvests. A highly significant negative correlation was found between yield of dry matter and percentage protein and between yield of dry matter and leaf-stem ratio. The correlation between percentage protein and leaf-stem ratio was significant and positive. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Alfalfa |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48445 |
