EFFECTS OF CUTTING TIME AND CUTTING HEIGHT ON THE GROWTH OF DALLISGRASS (PASPALUM DILATATUM POIR.).

Abstract

The effects of three different cutting times and three different cutting heights on the hay yield and the root growth of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) were studied in 2001. The experiment was conducted as a pot trial and arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Main-plots were the cutting times (at 15 cm, 30 cm and 45 cm of plant height) and subplots were cutting heights (5. 7.5 and 10 cm above ground). The results of the study showed that the highest tiller number, forage and hay yield and root weight were obtained from the plants harvested each time when they reached to 45 cm plant height at 5 cm cutting height. Also the earlier cutting plants gave the less yield than later cutting plants.