Abstract
AbstractIt is common in South China that rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields are seeded with a cover crop following autumn harvest. The objective was to compare the effects of different no‐tillage methods on cover crop yield, nutritive composition, and silage fermentation quality of forage wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Shimai‐1) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.). Cover crops were planted in winter fallow paddy fields 9 (NT9) and 5 (NT5) d prior to rice harvest and 1 d after rice harvest. Cover crops seeded prior to harvest were no‐tillage planted and cover crops seeded after rice harvest were either no‐tillage (NT1) or seeded using conventional techniques (CT1; plow followed by seeding). The cover crop biomass was determined before rice sowing in spring. Compared to NT9 and NT5, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields of NT1 and CT1 were slightly higher. Compared to Italian ryegrass, forage wheat had high relative feed value and DM yield. The neutral detergent fiber concentration of NT9 and NT5 was higher than NT1 and CT1 (P < .05), whereas the water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) concentration was lower than NT1 and CT1 (P < .05). The CP, crude fiber, and WSC concentrations of forage wheat were lower than Italian ryegrass (P < .05). Interaction between years and cover crop type were observed in silage fermentation quality (P < .05). The best sowing method for forage wheat and Italian ryegrass on winter fallow paddy fields was no‐tillage sowing after rice harvest, based upon the present study.
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