Forage chicory persists in combination with cool season grasses and legumes

Abstract

Forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was grown alone and in combination with various grasses and legumes for three production years to determine growth, botanical composition, and persistence. Chicory mixed with grasses and legumes produced greater yields than chicory alone. Mixtures of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) + white clover (Trifolium repens L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.) + alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and timothy + red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in combination with chicory produced the highest dry matter yields. Persistence of chicory was adequate; it survived for three production years in the cold-winter region of Atlantic Canada. Including chicory in grass/legume swards improved the seasonal distribution of herbage and increased late season production.