THE EFFECTS OF SEEDING TIME AND COMPANION CROP ON YIELD OF ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) AND WEED GROWTH

Abstract

Weed control with cultural methods is of great importance for perennial forages. This study was planned in order to determine the effects of seeding time and mixed seeding of alfalfa with wheat on hay yield and weed growth. The study was carried out in the irrigated area of Atatürk University, Faculty of Agriculture in 2014 and 2015. Alfalfa was seeded in two different seasons (spring and summer) as a sole crop and as a mixture with wheat. The research was established in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Dry matter yield, alfalfa plant height, weed rate, weed biomass production, weed frequency and density were examined in the study. Research results revealed that mixed seeding of alfalfa with wheat under the irrigated conditions of Erzurum Region increased the dry matter yield both in the first and the following year. This application also reduced the biomass production of weed and the weed rate of hay. Seeding in summer months instead of spring reduced the dry matter yield in the first year, but it was found more effective in terms of weed control. 

Keywords

• Alfalfa,seeding time,mixture crop,weeds

References

1. Acar, Z, O.O. Asci, U. Basaran, I. Ayan and H. Mut. 2010. Pea companion crop for red clover establishment. Turkish Journal of Field Crops 15(2): 114-122.
2. Acar, Z, O.O. Asci, U. Basaran, I. Ayan and H. Mut. 2011. Can triticale be used as a companion crop with red clover? Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 35: 235-245.
3. Anonymous, 1991. Turkey Inventory of Soil Productivity. T.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs. General Directorate of Rural Services, Ankara.
4. Canevari, M., R.N. Vargas and S. B. Orloff. 2007. Weed management in alfalfa. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Pub. No: 8294, 12/2007.
5. Coruh, I. and M. Tan. 2008. Lucerne persistence, yield and quality as influenced by stand aging. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 51: 39-43.
6. Çoruh, I. and S. Bulut. 2008. Dry weight, density and frequency of weeds in wheat varieties sowing in different time. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 14(3): 276-283.
7. Haskins, F.A. and H.I. Gorz. 1975. Influence of seed size, planting depth, and companion crop on emergence and vigor of seedlings in sweetclover. Agronomy Journal 67(5): 652-654.
8. Lanini, W.T., S.B. Orlof, R.N. Vargas, J.P. Orr, V.L. Marble and S.R. Grattan. 1991. Oat companion crop seeding rate effect on alfalfa establishment, yield and weed control. Agronomy Journal 83: 330-333.

9. McAlavy, T.M. 2002. Spring seeding alfalfa is risky business on the High Plains. Agricultural News and Public Affairs. Texas Univ. Agriculture Program, Feb. 27.
10. Moyer, J.R. 1985. Effect of weed control and a companion crop on alfalfa and sainfoin establishment, yields and nutrient composition. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 65: 107-116.
11. Rankin, M. 2001. Establishing alfalfa during late summer. Focus on Forage, Vol: 3, No: 5. Univ. Wisconsin Extension Service. USA.
12. Simmons, S.R., C.C. Sheaffer, D.C. Rasmusson, D.D. Stuthman and S.E. Nickel. 1995. Alfalfa Establishment with barley and oat companion crops differing in stature. Agronomy Journal 87: 268-272.
13. Tan, M. and Y. Serin. 1998. Determination of suitable companion crop and its cutting stage for alfalfa. Journal of Ataturk University Faculty of Agriculture 29(2): 219-229.
14. Tan. M. and Y. Serin. 2004. Is the companion crop harmless to alfalfa establishment in the highlands of East Anatolia? Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 190(1): 1-5.
15. Tan, M. and Y. Serin. 2013. Forage Crops. Atatürk University Faculty of Agriculture Pub. 190, Erzurum, 222 p.
16. Tan, M., H.İ. Erkovan and S. Temel. 2009. The effects of seeding times and rates on forage yield of alfalfa. National VIII. Field Crops Congress, October 22, 2009, Hatay, Turkey.
17. Uygur, F.N. 1985. Untersuchungen zu Art und Bedeutung der Verunkrautung in der Çukurova unterbesonderer Berücksichtigung von Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Und Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. PLITS 3 (5), Verlag, Stuttgart.
18. Yıldız, N. and H. Bircan. 2003. Research Design and Methods. Atatürk University Faculty of Agriculture Pub. 697, Erzurum