Yield and Forage Quality of Interseeded Legumes in a High-Desert Environment

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the forage yield and quality of legumes interseeded into sweet corn. Five legumes (‘Madison’ hairy vetch, ‘Parabinga’ barrel medic, ‘Nitro’ alfalfa, ‘Indianhead’ black lentil, and ‘Arlington’ red clover) were interseeded into sweet corn at last cultivation of the sweet corn in 1993 and 1994. Our objectives were to evaluate these legumes in terms of fall and spring dry-matter yield (DMY), crude protein concentration (CPC), crude protein yield (CPY), and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD). Corn ears and stover were harvested 31 August to 2 September 1993 and 16–17 August 1994. Crude protein concentration was generally higher for hairy vetch and alfalfa. Crude protein yield significantly increased from October to November in both years. November CPY was generally higher for barrel medic and hairy vetch. In April of both years, hairy vetch had the highest CPY among the overwintering legumes (hairy vetch, alfalfa, and red clover). Except for hairy vetch and red clover in trial year 2, mean IVDMD values were highest for the November sample dates.