Potential of Japanese Millet as an Initial Crop in a No‐Till Forage Renovation Program

Abstract

AbstractNo‐till seeding is the only practical method of improving many pastures and fields, yet direct seeding of perennial forages often results in failure. Japanese millet [Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link.], an annual, was evaluated following seedings into herbicide‐treated sod for establishment, yield compared to other annuals and to perennial forages, the enhancement of subsequent perennial establishment, and usefulness in a grazing program. Japanese millet was successfully established by sod seeding, with herbicide, in all four locations years. On a Paxton fine sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Fragiochrepts) with low initial fertility, dry matter yields of Japanese millet seeded directly into sod were 8.62 and 9.74 Mg ha−1 in 1981 and 1982, respectively. These yields were three to five times greater the seeding year than those of perennial forages seeded into the same herbicide‐treated sod. Birdsfoot trefoil‐timothy (Lotus corniculatus L.‐Phleum pratense L.) establishment, with tillage, was enhanced by a previous crop of Japanese millet. Japanese millet was no‐till seeded into a permanent pasture with a Sutton loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, mesic Aquic Dystrochrepts). Lamb (Oris aries) daily gain was less on Japanese millet than on perennial grasses, but total lamb gain per hectare was similar. Forage availability in July and August increased, compared to the unseeded control. The ease of establishment, competitive ability, yield potential, and mid‐ to late‐summer production of forage makes Japanese millet a promising initial crop in a no‐till forage improvement program in which the goal is to establish improved perennials.