Compatibility, Yield, and Nutritive Value of Matua Prairie Grass with Interseeded Legumes

Abstract

Matua prairie grass (Matua), Bromus willdenowii, can extend the grazing season in the mid-Atlantic region. The effects of legume overseeding on botanical composition, yield, and chemical composition of a 4-year-old Matua stand were investigated. Treatments consisted of ladino clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and annual lespedeza (Lespedeza stipulacea). Ladino clover and red clover increased total dry matter yield by as much as 56%, but decreased percentage Matua by as much as 64%. Ladino clover, red clover, and alfalfa treatments decreased fiber components (NDF and ADF) and increased crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Although annual lespedeza did not have a detrimental effect on the Matua component, it did not improve the nutritive value either. Of the legumes we tested, alfalfa appeared to be most compatible with Matua. Alfalfa resulted in a maximum of 40% reduction in the Matua component, and had a positive effect on the nutritive value of the forage.