Abstract
Abstract Seven field trials were conducted at Lincoln to examine the relationships between lucerne density, lucerne yield, and weed invasion. In five trials seeding rates from 0.5–36 kg/ha were compared and two trials were established by planting with densities of 8–140 plants/m2. Establishment and death rates were density-dependent, and densities converged with time to a level above that required for maximum production. The density-yield relationship reached a plateau at 30 plants/m2, although higher densities were more productive in the first season. The difference between sparse and dense stands was less in summer than in other seasons. Annual weed production, which was inversely proportional to stand density, partially compensated for low production in sparse stands. It was concluded that with proper care farmers could use a seeding rate of 2 kg/ha, which is much less than rates currently recommended.
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