FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF COMMON VETCH MIXTURES WITH TRITICALE AND ANNUAL RYEGRASS

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the forage yield, quality and physiological properties of mixtures of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) with triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) and annual ryegrass (Lolium moltiflorum) grown as intermediate winter crop system under the conditions of Southern Marmara Region. Forage yield, light interception, leaf area index, crude protein content, crude protein yield, ADF and NDF contents were measured. The highest forage yield (15.21 t ha-1) was obtained from 50% common vetch + 50% triticale mixture which was followed by 75% common vetch + 25% triticale, 25% common vetch + 75% triticale, 25% common vetch + 75% annual ryegrass mixtures. The results of two-year averages indicated that the 75% common vetch + 25 % triticale mixture was the best one for good quality and higher forage yield, and its suitability was recommended for the experimental ecology.