THE EFFECTS OF SEEDING TIME AND COMPANION CROP ON YIELD OF ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) AND WEED GROWTH

Abstract

Weed control with cultural methods is of great importance for perennial forages. This study was planned in order to determine the effects of seeding time and mixed seeding of alfalfa with wheat on hay yield and weed growth. The study was carried out in the irrigated area of Atatürk University, Faculty of Agriculture in 2014 and 2015. Alfalfa was seeded in two different seasons (spring and summer) as a sole crop and as a mixture with wheat. The research was established in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Dry matter yield, alfalfa plant height, weed rate, weed biomass production, weed frequency and density were examined in the study. Research results revealed that mixed seeding of alfalfa with wheat under the irrigated conditions of Erzurum Region increased the dry matter yield both in the first and the following year. This application also reduced the biomass production of weed and the weed rate of hay. Seeding in summer months instead of spring reduced the dry matter yield in the first year, but it was found more effective in terms of weed control.