Y.A. Papadopoulos1, R.Thériault2, M.Price3, K.M.Thomas4, S.A.E. Fillmore5 and V.Rodd6
(Partner: Chignecto Soils and Crops Improvement Association)
Abstract: The dale portion of a dykeland flat constitutes 20 to 40% of a dykeland field. Producers are looking for legume mixtures that are successful on dales. This study evaluates legume-based forage mixtures with grasses seeded on dales for productivity and persistence under two management regimes. The trial seeded at the Nappan Research Farm included three different legume mixtures seeded with timothy: red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and a three legume mixture of alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, and red clover. The New Brunswick farm sites were seeded with four mixtures which included: timothy or smooth brome in mixture with birdsfoot trefoil and red clover. On-farm timothy and smooth brome grass were shown in this study to be successful companion grasses on dales. Birdsfoot trefoil and red clover produced well in mixture with grasses on dales while alfalfa did not persist when seeded on dales. The two-cut management system produced more forage and had a higher legume content after two production years than the one-cut management regime.
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CLRC, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7M8 2Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Moncton, NB E1C 8R3 3Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 4Cumberland County Soils and Crops Improvement Association, Nappan, NS B0L 1C0 5Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AFHRC, Kentville, NS B4N 1J5 6Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CLRC, Nappan, NS B0L 1C0
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