Studies on the Management and Utilization of Reed Canarygrass III. Effect of harvest time on the dry matter yeild, nutritive value, and weed development in four cultivars of reed canarygrass pasture

Reed Canarygrass 초지의 관리 및 이용에 관한 연구 III. 수확시기가 주요 Reed Canarygrass 목초의 수량과 사료가치 및 잡초발생에 미치는 영향

A field experiment was canied out to determine the effects of harvest time (grazing, soiling and hay stage) on the grass growth, dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value, and weed development in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) pasture. The cultivars of reed canarygrass used in this study were Palaton, Venture, Castor, and Frontier (control). The grass was harvested 3 times at hay stage, 4 times at soiling stage, and 6 times at grazing stage in 1992. The average plant height was 31-41cm at grazing, 47-59cm at soiling, and 76-86cm at hay stage. Similar DM yield was observed in Palaton(12,567 kglha), Venture(l2,435kg), and Frontier(12,762kg), and the yields of 3 cultivars were significantly higher than that of Castor(ll,025kg) (P<0.05). Total yields affected by harvest time were lO,O6 1, 1 1,832, and 14,699 kg/ha at grazing, soiling, and hay stage, respectively(P<0.05). The content of crude protein (CP) was not significantly different among cultivars. CP contents by harvest time were 21.6% at grazing, 19.3% at soiling, and 18.8% at hay stage, regardless of cultivm(P<0.05). The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among cultivars and harvest time. However, slightly higher NDF and ADF contents were found in Frontier. The contents of Ca, P, K, and Mg were not affected by cultivars and harvest time. The appearance of weeds was high in Castor, and low in Frontier. The weeds at grazing stage(33.3-60.0%) were remarkably higher than those at soiling and hay astage (ca 10%). In conclusion, it is suggested that 3-4 times (soiling and hay stage) of harvest was recommended for grass production, nutritive value, and weed control in reed canarygrass pasture, regradless of cultivars of Palation, Venture and Frontier, except Castor.