Chicory Yield Research Articles

Forecasting the favorable growth conditions and suitable regions for chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) on the Qinghai plateau under current climatic conditions

The Qinghai plateau has long grappled with a host of issues, such as grassland overloading and a severe shortage of forage supply, significantly jeopardizing the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) has been regarded as an ideal and sustainable supplemental or alternative feed for livestock. To introduce this high-quality forage grass and enhance pasture resources on the Qinghai Plateau. We explored the adaptability of chicory on the Qinghai Plateau through 2384 chicory distribution records, 8 major environmental variables, and 5 cultivation validation pilots using the Maxent model and actual cultivation planting. The results emphasized that the primary environmental factors affecting the suitable areas for chicory included the precipitation of the driest month, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, minimum temperature of the coldest month, and temperature of the coldest month. The regions with high and medium suitability for chicory cultivation are predominantly situated in the eastern, central, and southern areas of Qinghai. The high suitable area covers 29,479 km2, while the medium suitable area extends over 85,090 km2, and the arable land appropriate for chicory cultivation encompasses approximately 40.45 × 104 hm2, constituting 71.7% of the province's arable land. Moreover, practical chicory cultivation across different arable zones revealed that growth and yield in high arable regions significantly outperformed those in medium arable zones. We developed a multivariate linear regression (MLR) model, which identified annual precipitation (AP), evaporation (E), and sunshine duration (SD) as the key climatic factors influencing chicory yield on the Qinghai plateau. These findings furnish a theoretical foundation for the establishment of high-yield, high-efficiency cultivation systems, digital production management, and the future promotion of chicory cultivation on the Qinghai plateau.

Chicory Taproot Production: Effects of Biostimulants under Partial or Full Controlled Environmental Conditions

Two trials were conducted on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) grown under greenhouse and growth chamber conditions with the aim to evaluate the potential of three biostimulants (seaweed extract (SWE), animal-derived protein hydrolysate (APH), and vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (VPH) on improving quali-quantitative traits of taproot, in short and out-of-season production cycles. In the greenhouse trial, VPH biostimulant promoted the inulin yield on a per-hectare basis with respect to the untreated control and APH. Taproot fresh weights, dry weights, and diameter in VPH-treated plants increased in comparison with APH-treated ones. SWE-treated plants showed intermediate values of the root production parameters and the inulin yield, with no statistical difference with VPH, APH, and control. In the growth room trial, SWE, VPH, and control showed no significant differences in growth, root yield, and quality. The results demonstrated that VPH can be useful for improving root production and inulin yield of chicory under partial controlled conditions such as in a greenhouse, whereas no benefits of biostimulant applications on crop yield and quality traits were recorded in growth chambers under full control of micro-climate conditions.

Effect of variable sowing and harvesting schedule on growth and yield of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Studies were undertaken at the Research Farm of Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi 2016–17 and 2017–18. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with four sowing dates (November 1, November 15, December 1 and December 15) in main plots and four harvesting dates (April 15, April 30, May 15 and May 30) in sub plots replicated four times. Number of days taken for initiation and completion of emergence were found to increase significantly with each successive delay in the date of sowing due to decrease in temperature. Growth and photosynthetic parameters viz.; plant height, number of leaves per plant, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, leaf area index as well as root and shoot weight per plant were significantly higher with early sowing on November 1 than later sowing dates. Among the harvesting dates, growth parameters did not differ significantly, but yield attributes improved significantly with delay in harvesting. November 1 sown crop when harvested on May 30 recorded the highest root yield, and that was statistically similar to crop sown on same date (November 1) and harvested on May 15 and April 30. Delay in sowing from November 1 to November 15 caused significant reduction in yield, but this yield reduction was compensated by delayed harvesting on May 15 or May 30. However, with further delay in sowing beyond November 15, yield could not be compensated even with further delay in harvesting up to May 30.

Peta Penyebaran Dan Citra Foto Udara Penyakit Tungro Pada Tanaman Padi Di Desa Marapokot Kecamatan Aesesa Kabupaten Nagekeo

This study aims to determine the effect of Biourine fertilizer dosage on the growth and production of chicory and to determine the optimum dose of Biourine fertilizer in increasing growth and yield of chicory is BU0 0, litre/ha (control) BU1, 4000 litres/ha or equivalent to 2. ltr / plot BU2, 8000 litres/ha or equivalent to 4 ltr / plot BU3,12,000 litres/ha or equivalent to 6 litres/plot BU4.16,000 litres/ha or the equivalent of 8 ltr / plot. The observation variable of plant height growth was 0.94%, the total average number of leaves was 3.48%, the total average crop diameter was 2.51%, the total average fresh weight of ton-1 stover was 2.23%. , the total average fresh weight of stover ha-1 was 2.23%. The results of this study indicate that dosing of bio urine fertilizer can increase the percentage of growth and yield of chicory (Brassica Chinensis L), namely plant height of 0.94%, number of leaves by 3.48%, crop diameter of 2.51%, fresh weight. cropping was 2.23% and fresh weight per hectare was 2.23%. The optimum dose of bio urine fertilizer for the best chicory plants in increasing the growth of chicory is 16,000 litres/ha which gives a plant height growth of 24.47 cm, a number of leaves are 14.35, crop diameter is 13.95 cm, fresh weight of stover. plants amounted to 486.25 grams/plant and 475.40 grams/plant, the fresh weight of plant stover per hectare was 19.45 tons/ha and 19.02 tons/ha.

Pengaruh Pemberian Dosis Pupuk Biourin Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi Putih (Brassica chinensis L.)

This study aims to determine the effect of Biourine fertilizer dosage on the growth and production of chicory and to determine the optimum dose of Biourine fertilizer in increasing growth and yield of chicory is BU0 0, litre/ha (control) BU1, 4000 liters/ha or equivalent to 2. ltr / plot BU2, 8000 litres / ha or equivalent to 4 ltr / plot BU3,12,000 litres / ha or equivalent to 6 litres / plot BU4.16,000 litres / ha or the equivalent of 8 ltr / plot. The observation variable of plant height growth was 0.94%, the total average number of leaves was 3.48%, the total average crop diameter was 2.51%, the total average fresh weight of ton-1 stover was 2.23%. , the total average fresh weight of stover ha-1 was 2.23%. The results of this study indicate that dosing of biourine fertilizer can increase the percentage of growth and yield of chicory (Brassica Chinensis L), namely plant height of 0.94%, number of leaves by 3.48%, crop diameter of 2.51%, fresh weight. cropping was 2.23% and fresh weight per hectare was 2.23%. The optimum dose of biourine fertilizer for the best chicory plants in increasing the growth of chicory is 16,000 litres / ha which gives a plant height growth of 24.47 cm, the number of leaves is 14.35, crop diameter is 13.95 cm, fresh weight of stover. plants amounted to 486.25 grams/plant and 475.40 grams/plant, the fresh weight of plant stover per hectare was 19.45 tons/ha and 19.02 tons/ha.

Chicory yield influenced by seedling quality and growing environment

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of chicory seedlings in organic substrata and their influence on yield and commercial yield in a protected environment and under direct sunlight. Seedling and field production experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four blocks. In the first experiment, seedlings were produced on substrata by alternating the conditioner: 1) dry coconut fiber + blend (soil, organic compost, charcoal); 2) carbonized rice husk + blend; 3) crushed ouricuri stem + blend; 4) decomposed kapok stem + blend and 5) commercial substratum. Sufficient seedlings were produced for the evaluations and transplantation. In the field phase, two experiments were evaluated, one in a protected environment and another under direct sunlight. The commercial and ouricuri substrata produced seedlings with the same quality and biomass index, but above to the others. The yield (0.89 kg m-2) and commercial yield (68.29 packs m-2) in the protected environment are not affected by seedling quality. In the direct sunlight cultivation, the yield is higher when using seedlings produced with the commercial (0.75 kg m-2), ouricuri (1.07 kg m-2), or kapok substrata (0.74 kg m-2).

Humic acid and vermicompost increased bioactive components, antioxidant activity and herb yield of Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.)

Abstract Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the most important plants in the medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of humic acid (HA) and vermicompost on the herb yield and phenolic components of chicory aerial parts. Plants were grown under 4 humic acid treatments (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 kg/ hectare) and 4 vermicompost levels (0, 5, 7.5 and 10 t/ hectare) with three replications. Measurement of traits included fresh and dry yields of aerial parts, the IC50 and inhibition percentage of free radicals, the total and individual amounts of phenolics and flavonoids (caffeic, gallic, ellagic and p- coumaric acid, catechin, flavones and flavonols). Results show that humic acid and vermicompost improve the chicory yield and phytochemical properties such as the total contents of phenolics and flavonoids. The highest yield of dry aerial parts (20.29 g per plant) was achieved by 0.9 kg per hectare humic acid in combination with 10 t per hectare vermicompost. The highest total contents of phenolics and flavonoids were achieved when humic acid was applied at 0.9 kg/hectare in addition to vermicompost at 7.5 t/ hectare. The content of caffeic acid was highest among other phenolic components. The highest caffeic acid was achieved by treatments of 0.3 kg per hectare humic acid combined with 5 t per hectare vermicompost. The content of ellagic acid in shoots was highest when vermicompost was applied alone, by 5 t per hectare, with an average yield of 262.51 mg/100 g DW.

Effects of soil type and municipal solid waste compost as soil amendment on Cichorium spinosum (spiny chicory) growth

The application of municipal solid waste compost (MSW compost) improves soil fertility and increases crop yield due to the high content in organic matter, macronutrients and essential trace elements, but can entails potential risks to human health and to the environment due to the presence of heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil type and MSW compost on the growth of spiny chicory, an edible wild leafy plant with great nutritional and commercial value. Mature MSW compost was applied in sandy and clayey soils, at rates equivalent to 0, 60 and 150tha−1. The experiment was conducted in pots under semi-controlled conditions, and two harvests were carried out during the experimental period. The marketable yield of spiny chicory was higher in the sandy than in clayey soil, even in the absence of MSW compost. The application of MSW compost improved the soil fertility and increased the yield of spiny chicory in both soils. No significant differences were observed in growth and yield of spiny chicory between the application rates of 60 and 150tha−1. The contents of the macronutrients in the above ground part of spiny chicory were not affected by soil type or MSW compost addition. Although the bioavailability of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd) in both soils was increased due to MSW compost application, their contents in the edible part of the plants remained within the normal thresholds. Overall, the MSW compost as organic amendment can be used to improve spiny chicory yield in both sandy and clayey soils. Sandy soils with 60tha−1 MSW compost amendment is recommended.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) responses to nitrogen and plant density in Birjand, Iran

Chicory is an important medicinal plant and also used as a leaf vegetable for pasture forage. In order to study the effect of nitrogen and pant density on this plant, an experiment was conducted in the 2009-2010 growing season at the Agricultural Training Center of Mohammadieh, Birjand, Iran. A split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Nitrogen rates including of 0, 100 and 200 kg.ha-1 N as urea (N0, N100 and N200, respectively) were arranged in main plots and four planting density (25, 16.7, 12.5 and 10 plants.m -2 ) were employed in the subplots. The results indicated that nitrogen application had not any significant effect on dry root yield, but application of 200 kg.ha -1 N compared to control, increased dry leaf and total yields 39.85 and 31.89 percent, respectively. Although nitrogen application significantly decreased NUE but increasing plant density increased it. Increasing plant density enhanced root and leaf dry yield, but declined plant height, axillary root number and root length. Nitrogen application had not any significant effect on axillary root number and root diameter and length. The effect of nitrogen and plant density on root/shoot ratio was not significant. Totally the result showed that chicory's yield respond positively to increasing plant density (25 plant.m -2 ) and nitrogen rate (200 kg.ha -1 ) but increasing the yield was not proportionally to nitrogen fertilizer, consequently NUE declined in the highest nitrogen treatment.

Herbicide application and direct drilling improves establishment and yield of chicory and plantain

AbstractThe herbs chicory ( C ichorium intybus L.) and plantain ( P lantago lanceolata L.) are increasingly popular summer forage cropping options for dairy producers. However, the impact of different establishment methods on their productivity is largely unknown. Four establishment methods for chicory and plantain crops sown into non‐cultivated ryegrass pastures in spring were compared. Establishment methods included direct‐drilling or broadcasting seed into existing pastures, with or without herbicide application before sowing in a 2 × 2 factorial design. It was hypothesized that plant establishment and growth would be enhanced by spraying to kill existing ryegrass pasture and direct‐drilling herbs (Spray and Drill, SD) compared with broadcasting seed with no herbicide application (Unsprayed and Broadcast, UB). This hypothesis was supported with an additional 2·1–2·3 t DM ha−1 grown over 201 d from swards established by SD, compared with swards established by UB. The SD method also increased the plant density of the herbs and reduced the proportion of weed species. Spraying and direct drilling is more expensive than broadcasting seed with no herbicide application, but the increase in yield means that extra feed can be supplied at less than half the cost of purchasing the equivalent amount of feed. Therefore, for optimal economic outcomes, chicory and plantain swards should be established by applying herbicide to existing pasture and direct‐drilling seed.

Interactive Effects of Sowing Date and Planting Density on Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning of Chicory

Chicory is considered one of the alternatives crops that can be used in crop rotation and contains many phytochemicals that can be used in medicine. In addition, lengthening the growing season by early sowing may increase root chicory yield potential, and thus increase its competitiveness with traditional crops. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether early sowing date risks can be decreased by higher sowing density and also to study the effect of sowing date and sowing density on dry matter accumulation and partitioning of chicory. Growing season did not affect any of the characteristics that were studied. Also plant density affected the flowers biomass, root biomass per plant and the respective yield together with the plant height and essence yield and total yield. The sowing date affected the leaf, flower and stem biomass on a plant basis. However, the interaction between plant density and sowing date affected the total biomass per plant, the flower biomass per plant, the root biomass per plant, the flower yield, the root yield and the essence yield. These results indicate that for higher production it is important to determine the right plant density and sowing date which can affect growth, dry matter accumulation and essence yield.

Effect of Cultivation Methods and Drip Irrigation on the Yield of Roots and the Quality of Chicons of Witloof Chicory

Effect of Cultivation Methods and Drip Irrigation on the Yield of Roots and the Quality of Chicons of Witloof Chicory In the years 2005-2007, a study was carried out to investigate the effect of surface and subsurface drip irrigation on the yield of witloof chicory in flatground and ridge cultivation. Irrigation began at a soil water potential of 30-40 kPa. Irrigation was found to have a beneficial effect on the yield and quality of the roots of witloof chicory. The largest increase in yield was obtained in the first year, in which there was a drought during sprouting and scarcity of rainfall during vegetative growth. In flat-ground cultivation, and in the year with insufficient soil humidity in ridge cultivation, surface irrigation was more beneficial in comparison with subsurface irrigation because it created better conditions in terms of moisture levels, particularly for the germinating seeds. In the years with sufficient rainfall during germination and sprouting no significant differences were found in the yield of chicory roots between surface and subsurface irrigation. Chicory plants were forced hydroponically in water using a standard nutrient solution. The roots obtained from irrigated plots, as well as those from flatground cultivation, produced significantly longer and tighter chicons. Over the three years of the study, internal browning of the stem, which is a physiological disorder lowering the quality of chicons, occurred only in 2005. It might have been caused by high temperatures during sprouting and high moisture deficiency in the soil during vegetative growth. The use of irrigation significantly reduced the incidence of this phenomenon, especially in flat-ground cultivation.

USE OF NUTRIENTS FROM ORGANIC OR INORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR RED HEAD CHICORY PRODUCTION

The influence of stable manure and mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30 upon the status of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil, their accumulation in plants, yield of red head chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum Hegi) and correlations of the studied parameters were determined during a three-year investigation period (1999-2001). Investigations were conducted on two locations in Croatia, ecologically very suitable for the vegetable crops production. Because of the nature of the research and the crop rotation, the trial was set up on a different area each year. The area selection followed detailed preliminary soil investigations. Trials were carried out according to the Latin design in live treatments: stable manure 5 kg m-2, three rates of complex mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30 (50, 100, and 150 g m-2), and an unfertilized control variant. Investigation results indicate that there were negative significant correlations (r=-0.772, p=<0.001) between nitrogen in the soil and nitrogen in the plant, regardless of fertilizer form and rate. In contrast, the correlation between phosphorus in the soil and in the plant, irrespective of the year and location, was positive and highly significant (r=0.613, p=0.003). An identical relation was recorded between potassium in the soil and in the plant (r=0.478, p=0.0076). Also, a positive and significant correlation was recorded between soil nitrogen and yield (r=0.367, p=0.0458) and soil phosphorus and yield (r=0.367, p=0.0462), whereas the correlation between soil potassium and yield was positive and highly significant (r=0.485, p=0.0066). Results indicate that there were no significant differences in chicory yield between fertilization with 100 and 150 g m-2 mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30. The highest yield was 3.73 kg m-2 in 1999 at Lika location.

Efficacy of Three Natural Chemicals to Reduce the Damage of Erysiphe cichoracearum on Chicory in Two Meteorologically Different Growing Seasons

AbstractIn two meteorologically quite different years, 2002 and 2003, efficacy of three natural substances with a fungicidal activity (sulphur, soya lecithin, salicylic acid) for control of Erysiphe cichoracearum on chicory was tested. In a block designed field experiment, there were statistically significant differences in the mean index of infection of exterior leaves, in the mean total weight and mean net weight of the plants (= total weight − weight of removed damaged leaves). There was also a significant difference in firmness of the heads of nine chicory varieties that was established in both years. In 2002, when no extreme weather conditions occurred, the fungus spread to a substantially larger extent. Yet no statistically significant differences were found in the efficacy of environmentally friendly fungicidal substances for control of the fungus. In the hotter and drier year of 2003, which was less favourable for spread of the pathogen, sulphur‐containing fungicide was the most effective. In 2002, chicory yield was lower than in 2003. Generally, yield loss due to removal of damaged leaves was from 30.7 to 45.0% in the first year, and from 11.3 to 24.8% in the second. The highest mean total yield and net yield of chicory were in plants, which were treated three times with sulphur‐containing fungicide. In 2002, the most firm heads were in plants treated with sulphur. In 2003, no significant differences among substances were detected. The most infected with the powdery mildew caused by E. cichoracearum, were the less productive varieties of chicory. A statistically significant relationship was not found between the firmness of the heads and the degree of infection. Among different parameters in this experiment, the only relevant and high statistically significant positive correlation (r2 = 0.71) was determined between the total weight of the plants and yield loss of chicory due to infection with the fungus in question.

Effect of sowing date on the performance of root chicory

Root chicory is a potential alternative sugar crop which accumulates a high amount of linear fructose polymers (fructan) in its roots. Lengthening the growing season by early sowing may increase root chicory yield potential, and thus increase its competitiveness with traditional sugar crops. A field experiment was conducted in 1998 and 1999 on a sandy loam soil (Haplic Luvisol) at Braunschweig, Germany, to study the consequences of early sowing on emergence, bolting, yield, and quality of root chicory. In each year, the cultivars Tilda, Wixor, Hicor, Cassel, Bergues, Fredonia Nova, and Regalo were sown at three dates ranging from mid March to early May. The mean emergence rates for the early sowings in March were insufficient in 1998 (45%) but adequate in 1999 (82%). Averaged across years and cultivars, emergence took 25, 21, and 13 days at early, medium, and late sowing. While bolters were almost absent at medium and late sowing, average bolting percentage at early sowing amounted to 18.3% in 1998 and 22.7% in 1999. Each percent of bolters reduced fructose yield by 1.1% in 1998, and 1.2% in 1999. In 1998, the fructose yield of the most productive cultivars at early sowing (Bergues) and at medium sowing (Fredonia Nova) were not significantly different. In 1999, early sown Bergues produced a significantly higher fructose yield than any other cultivar and sowing date combination. It is concluded that increasing root chicory yield potential by early sowing is not limited by a lack of bolting-resistant cultivars, but by the risk of poor crop establishment due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Effect of methods of sowing and weed management on yield of chicory (Cichorium intybus)

A field experiment was conducted during Though the weed-management treat- winter season of 1992-93 to study the effect ments barring unweeded control did not dif- of methods of sowing and weed fer significantly among themselves: how- management on weed control and root yield ever, proved superior to the unweeded con- of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) at Anand. trol for weed density (at 60 days). The dry The soil was loamy sand. Nine treatments weight of weeds was influenced significantly comprised 2 herbicides (trifluralin @ 0.5 by different treatments. Methods of sowing kglha and pendimethalin @ 0.5 kglha both treatments and 2 hand-weeding treatments as pre-emergence), 2 conventional weeding proved effective in reducing dry weight of treatments (hand-weeding at 30 days after weeds. Though the herbicides and 1 hand- sowing and 2 hand-weedings at 30 and 60 weeding treatments significantly reduced days), 2 methods of sowing (line sowing by the dry weight of weeds compared with the seed drill and shallow sowing through unweeded control, these did not show supe- furrow opened by kudali each at 20 and 30 riority to methods of sowing treatment and 2 cm width) along with unweeded control, hand-weedings (broadcast sown). Both the were tried in randomized block design with herbicides found more or less equally effec- 3 replications. Chicory cv. Rexor was tive in controlling Chenopodium album L., sown on 20 November 1992 and harvested Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. and on 17 April 1993. The crop was uniformly Eragrostis cilianenisis (All.) Link compared fertilized with 100 kg N + 50 kg P,O, + 50 the unweeded treatment. Both herbicides kg &amp;O/ha as basal application in the form significantly reduced the weed density com- of urea, single superphosphate and muriate pared with the unweeded control. Pate1 and of potash respectively. The crop was Upadhyay (1989) noted the effectiveness of irrigated 5 times during the crop season. pendimethalin in reducing the weed density Species-wise weed density was recorded throughout the growth period of chicory. using 0.25 m2 quadrate from randomly Significant differences were observed in selected 2 spots in a plot at 60 days. fresh as well as dry weight of chicory roots However, predominant weeds counted due to different treatments. Significantly separately. In hand-weeding, the count was highest yields of chicory (20,648 kg fresh taken just before the operation and and 4,750 kg dry rootslha) were recorded subsequently the dry weight was recorded. with 2 hand-weedings when compared wxth

The effect of various agronomic practices on the yield of chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Two sets of experiments were conducted on sandy loam soils at Anand, India during the rabi (winter) seasons of three years (1993/94–1995/96) to study the effects of farmyard manure, nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as well as the method and time of sowing and irrigation on the growth and yield of chicory. Application of farmyard manure and phosphorus had no beneficial effect, whereas the application of nitrogen at 100 kg/ha and potassium at 50 kg/ha increased yield by 12·09 and 3·33%, respectively, on a pooled basis. Crops sown either in rows 30 cm apart or broadcast performed equally well with respect to dry root yield. Sowing of chicory on 5 November gave the highest dry root yield. Delayed sowing significantly reduced the dry root yield. Scheduling irrigation at an irrigation water: cumulative pan evaporation ratio of 0·7 produced maximum dry root yield.

Performance of ‘Grasslands Puna’ Chicory at Different Management Levels

Abstract‘Grasslands Puna’ chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a perennial taprooted herb that shows potential to produce high yields of palatable forage for ruminants. Our objective was to determine management effects on herbage production and quality, and stand persistence. Chicory and ‘Pennlate’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were established on Hagerstown silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf) soil at Rock Springs, PA. Treatments were intensive, moderate, and lenient management, corresponding to 25‐, 37‐, and 50‐cm chicory canopy height at harvest, with N fertilizer applied after each harvest except the last. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 (species × managements) factorial with five replications. Total yields of forage averaged 9A Mg ha−1 for chicory and 7.9 Mg ha−1 for orchardgrass in 1992 and 1993. Management did not affect total yield of chicory the first harvest year, nor that of orchardgrass in either year. Chicory yield was greatest from plants under lenient management the second year. Mean crude protein concentration in chicory and orchardgrass was 200 g kg−1 and 185 g kg −1 respectively, but both species showed a potential to accumulate concentrations greater than 250 g kg−1. Low concentrations (110 g kg−1) were associated with floral stem production. Chicory herbage had higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, and Zn, than did orchardgrass. Our results show that Grasslands Puna can withstand a range of defoliation intensities while maintaining excellent productivity.