Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover-grass mixtures

Abstract

Lafreniere, C. and Drapeau, R. 2011. Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover-grass mixtures. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 91-97. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the most popular seeded legume for forage production in northern Quebec and Ontario because of the poorly drained soils that prevail in these regions. The objective of this experiment was to determine which seeding patterns [mixed within a row (MR), single alternate rows (1+1), or double alternate rows (2+2)] and which companion grasses (smooth bromegrass, Bromus inermis L.; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L.; or timothy, Phleum pratense L.), in association with red clover, were best for sustaining the total forage yield of a red clover-grass mixture and how these factors affect red clover and grass components. Test plots were established at Kapuskasing, ON, and Normandin, QC. At each site, two independent seedings were performed and harvested o...