Production and composition of various lucerne and grass mixtures in a semi-arid environment

Abstract

Abstract Various lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) /grass associations were compared with lucerne sown alone over a 5-year period at Tara Hills High Country Research Station in the semi-arid environment of North Otago. Companion grasses included cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), prairie grass (Bromus unioloides H.B.K.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa L.), and Bromus marginatus Nees. Lucerne sown alone outyielded all lucerne/grass mixtures sown in alternate rows, but was equalled in production by mixed rows of lucerne and cocksfoot. Cocksfoot and tall fescue were the most productive grasses, but their yields were low in comparison to lucerne. No evidence was found to recommend the addition of grasses to lucerne for hay production. Lucerne production was highly variable from year to year and reflected the erratic rainfall.