M. Price1, A.O.M. Smith1 and J.McKinney2
Partner: New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Abstract: The New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association with funding from the Strategic Partnership Development Program in co-operation with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture conducted forage evaluation trials in Richmond Corner, New Brunswick. A forage mixture trial was established on May 29th, 2002. Three replications of fourteen different forage mixtures were planted. Plots were harvested on June 25th and August 12th, 2003. Total dry matter yield (t/ha) ranged from 2.36 to 3.97. Lowest and highest yielding mixtures were Red Clover/Timothy (2.0lbs/8.0lbs) and Alfalfa/Timothy (7.0lbs/5.0lbs), respectively. Plots were also harvested in 2004 on June 17th and August 4th. Total dry matter yield (t/ha) ranged from 1.78 to 3.34. Lowest and highest yielding mixtures were Red Clover/Reed Canary Grass and Alfalfa/Timothy (7.0lbs/5.0lbs), respectively. It has been concluded that there is a difference in performance among mixtures with the inclusion of a legume. There is also a significant difference between alfalfa mixtures and red clover mixtures with respect to performance and persistence. It has also been concluded that there is no substantial differences among mixtures when there is inclusion of more than 50% legume. 1 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agriculture Development Branch, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1 2 NB Soil and Crop Improvement Association, 16 Gilks Road, Maugerville, NB, E3A 8N4
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