Spring triticale forage responses to seeding rate and nitrogen application

Abstract

Growing spring forages could reduce soil erosion and increase cropping system profitability compared with summer fallow in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench ssp. Bicolor)–fallow system. Field experiments were conducted over four site-years to evaluate seeding rate and nitrogen (N) application effects on spring triticale forage production. Seeding rates (60, 80, and 100 kg ha−1) were assigned to main plot treatments, and N rates (0, 11, 34, 56, and 78 kg N ha−1) were the subplots. Seeding rate had no effect on forage dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), or mineral nutrients. However, increasing seeding rate increased lignin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations while decreasing in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and total digestible nutrients. Applying N increased forage DM, with optimum yield occurring at 56 kg N ha−1. The application of N fertilizer decreased ADF and NDF concentrations but increased CP, IVDMD, and total digestible nutrients. Similarly, tissue calcium, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations increased with N fertilizer application. Based on our findings, 56 kg N ha−1 was adequate for spring triticale and seeding triticale forage at a lower rate of 60 kg ha−1 had no detrimental effect on forage yield when harvested as hay.