Forage accumulation in Lotus corniculatus L. as a function of harvest strategy

Abstract

Different harvest strategies can substantially affect yield in forages. A study was carried out to determine the optimum harvest strategy for Lotus corniculatus, genotype 255301, during two production periods among four tested strategies: three determined by the percentage of light intercepted by the canopy (90, 95 and 100 \% IL), and one season-defined fixed cut (FC). The treatments (IL and FC) were distributed in a randomized block design with three repetitions. Forage yield in the FC was 27 \% lower than the 95 \% IL in the first period (19,915 vs 28,417 kg DM ha(-1)), and 29 \% lower than the average of all three IL treatments in the second period (19,100 vs 26,952 kg DM ha(-1)). Average seasonal yield in both periods was higher in spring (9,447 kg DM ha(-1)) than in autumn (3,120 kg DM ha(-1)). The leaf was the component that contributed most (56 \%) to yield, particularly in spring in the 95 \% IL treatments. Plant height was greatest in the 90, 95 and 100 \% IL treatments (average= 21.5 cm) and lowest in the FC treatments (average= 17 cm). By season, plant height was greatest (average= 24 cm) in spring and lowest in winter (average= 17 cm). In both periods, average leaf:stem ratio was highest in the FC treatment (2.3) followed by the 90, 95 and 100 \% IL treatments. Lotus corniculatus genotype 255301 yield was optimum when harvested using intercepted light percentages as an indicator; leaf production was highest in the 95 \% intercepted light treatments.