Evolution of the Botanical Composition and Forage Yield of several Perennial Fodder Legume and Grass Mixtures in the Year of Establishment

Abstract

The research results regarding the selection of some mixtures of perennial fodder grasses and legumes suitable for the establishment of temporary pastures in Cojocna, Transylvania region, Romania, are presented in this paper. The evolution of both the botanical composition and dry matter (DM) yield on 2 cuttings, after the sowing of mixtures were measured in order to establish the best mixtures. Increases of the legume ratios in the botanical composition of swards on both first and second cutting were recorded in the mixtures where their ratios at sowing were less than 40%. Grasses, in comparison with legumes, recorded lower ratios in the structure of swards than those used at sowing, both on the first and the second cutting. Weeds had ratios of 31-75% in the botanical composition of all variants on the first cutting, while on the second cutting their ratios decreased to less than 25% in the majority of variants, except in the pure alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) crop. The higher fodder yield was obtained on each cutting for the mixture of 6 species, including 3 legumes and 3 grasses.