THE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF LUCERNE, GRASS AND CLOVER UNDER DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

The yields of two varieties of lucerne grown with and without each of three companion grasses, under two cutting treatments, were compared during 1956–9 to elucidate further the potential production of this crop and to clarify some contradictions in earlier results. Du Puits lucerne (early) and its mixtures produced 20% more dry matter than the corresponding mixtures based on AF1 (late). Meadow fescue S215/lucerne mixtures were superior to lucerne grown alone in the first year, but not subsequently. Mixtures with S37 cocksfoot and S22 Italian ryegrass gave significantly lower yields. Over three years higher yields were obtained from three cuts in the first harvest year compared with two.