Yield, intercepted radiation and morphology of crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.) at different densities

Abstract

Objetive: The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, intercepted radiation and morphology of crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.) at different planting densities, in the dry tropics of the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
 Desing / Methodology / Approach: The treatments were: four planting densities at 400,000, 200,000, 100,000 plants ha-1 and a stream. A growth analysis was also evaluated at 30, 38, 45, 52, 60, 68 and 75 days of growth, understanding that the pod was fully developed. The variables evaluated were: dry matter yield, intercepted radiation and morphological composition.
 Results: The dry matter yield, regardless of the cutting age, was obtained in descending order at the planting densities of: 400,000 ˃ chorrillo ˃ 200,000 ˃ 100,000 plants ha-1 with 19,837, 17,918, 8,786 and 4,074 kg DM ha-1,
 Study Limitations / Implications: In the tropics it is necessary to broaden the panorama with the producers, in the use of forage legumes to improve the feeding of cattle.
 Findings / Conclusions: It is recommended to sow at a sowing density of 400,000 plants ha-1 and to cut after 45 days of growth in crotalaria since it is when the best structural characteristics of the meadow and 95% of intercepted radiation are found