FORAGE PRODUCTION OF SAINFOIN AND ALFALFA ON DRYLAND IN MIXED- AND ALTERNATE-ROW SEEDINGS WITH THREE GRASSES

Abstract

Forage yields were determined over a 5-yr period from alfalfa (Medicago media Pers. cv. Ladak) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop. cv. Eski) grown alone and in mixed- and alternate-row seedings with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fisch.) Schult. cv. Nordan), Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Fisch. cv. Sawki), and pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum (Link) Richt. cv. Greenleaf). Total yield and yield of the legume component were consistently higher for the alfalfa–grass than for the sainfoin–grass associations. The sainfoin–Russian wild ryegrass mixed-row stand was the most productive sainfoin–grass combination, and maintained the highest yield and proportion of sainfoin. The highest grass yields and lowest legume yields were obtained from associations involving pubescent wheatgrass, which was particularly competitive with sainfoin. Sainfoin grown alone outyielded all sainfoin–grass combinations with the exception of the associations with Russian wild ryegrass. Mixed-row seedings yielded significantly more than alternate-row seedings in sainfoin–Russian wild ryegrass, alfalfa–crested wheatgrass, and alfalfa–pubescent wheatgrass associations. However, legume yield and total yield in an alternate-row seeding of sainfoin–pubescent wheatgrass were higher than in a mixed-row seeding. Sainfoin is a suitable alternative to alfalfa in parts of the prairie region, but particular attention must be paid to the selection of companion species if it is to be grown in association with a grass.