Methods of Establishing Annual Ryegrass and Clover into Broomsedge‐Infested Pastures

Abstract

Establishing cool‐season forages into broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.)–infested pastures would increase forage nutritive value and extend the grazing season. Experiments were established in southeastern Oklahoma in late summer at four locations in 1995 and at six locations in 1996 to determine the effects of three forage removal techniques for establishing clovers (Trifolium spp.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). The main plots used in both years included: (i) mowing plus vegetation removal in late summer, (ii) paraquat (1,1′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium ion) plus burning 1 wk after treatment (WAT), and (iii) burning after frost. In 1995, two annual ryegrasses (‘Marshall’ and ‘TAM90’) and three clovers [‘Yuchi’ arrowleaf (T. vesiculosum Savi.), ‘Overton R18’ rose (T. hirtum All.), and ‘Ladino’ white (T. repens L.)] were broadcast‐seeded into the three seedbed preparations. In the 1995 planting, dry conditions in the fall resulted in no establishment of annual ryegrass and erratic establishment and production of clovers. In 1996, Marshall annual ryegrass and a clover mix [arrowleaf, red (T. pratense L.), rose, and white] were each broadcast‐seeded into tilled and nontilled subplots in the three seedbed preparations. Clover and annual ryegrass dry matter (DM) production was generally highest in paraquat plus burn treatment and lowest in the burn after frost treatment. Tillage generally did not improve clover or annual ryegrass production. The nontilled paraquat plus burn treatment produced the most forage and had the lowest production cost for both clover and annual ryegrass; therefore, it should be considered when establishing clover and annual ryegrass into permanent pastures.